Welcome to Peterborough Choral Society
We performed the first concert with our new Musical Director Bradley Smith to wide acclaim in Thorney Abbey on 7th July 2024 and the choir look forward to the upcoming season with him. Bradley is a vocal coach, so rest assured that you will be in safe hands. The choir is enjoying the journey with Bradley, so if you think this opportunity is for you please send us a message on the Contact page and we'd be pleased to help. We look forward to hearing from you.
This year started with a 'Choral Workshop' on the 25th January and was a great success with 50 singers attending the morning workshop. Bradley took us on a journey showing us tips and techniques on how to make the most of our voices and to keep them in good shape. Attendees really enjoyed it and are looking forward to the next workshop. Watch this space.
We look forward to our next event which will be a service in a Cathedral (see the poster below). This is a free concert, although we suggest a donation of £15 to cover costs. Cambridge graduates will be performing as soloists for this event.
We always welcome new members at any time with 3 free rehearsal weeks which enables you to see how the choir works and how we rehearse. There is no audition and new members are welcome in all sections.
Music and Words of Peace
Join us for an evening of reflective music and words on the theme of peace. Peterborough Choral Society will be leading a service, situated under the magnificent tower of Peterborough Cathedral, with 90 minutes of sumptuous music by Barber, Pärt and Rachmaninov, as well as the profound and powerful Requiem by Duruflé, all interspersed with beautiful readings. Take this opportunity to be transported to a world of calm and tranquillity in this unique and resplendent setting.
Rossini - The Sins of his Old Age
Peterborough Choral Society, with their new Musical Director Bradley Smith, performed a concert on Saturday 30th November at 7.30pm in St. Kyneburgha’s Church, Castor: Rossini - The Sins of his Old Age.
Rossini (1792-1868) was a famous Italian composer, who had an understanding of the human voice and orchestration, mixed with his gift for melody and a sense of humour. As well as writing numerous operas he was noted for his sacred music. The choir sang 'La Petite Messe Solennelle' which was written towards the end of his life in 1863.
The choir was joined by choral scholars and lay clerks from the top Cambridge University college choirs and a pianist from St Catherine's College, Cambridge.
A Celebration of English Music
from 1550 to the Present Day
This was the first concert directed by Bradley Smith, the new Musical Director of the choir. He has been with the choir since April 2024 and the concert was a wonderful musical journey through 400 years of English music. The singing was outstanding, supported by a very accomplished organist from Cambridge University, a tenor and two bass soloists. The concert music was separated into five sections: Madrigals, Sacred, Opera and Operetta, Folk and Music for Royal Occasions. The choir sang the madrigals unaccompanied which set the scene for the rest of the concert. Two Sacred pieces followed. The Opera and Operetta pieces started with pieces from King Arthur, ably assisted by the tenor solo and Gloriana, Concord. Then followed three Gilbert and Sullivan pieces with a soloist from the choir. These were light and jolly. Three Folk pieces followed and the concert finished with ‘I was glad’ by Parry. Amazing sound from the choir that filled the Abbey. The choir was clearly having a great time, on top of the challenging programme, and their enjoyment spread to everyone in the Abbey. Tea and cakes ended a splendid afternoon. Comments made after the concert included ‘spellbound’, being ‘deeply moved’, amazement over the sound the choir made and how well balanced the choir sounded and that it added to the experience. We eagerly await the choir's concert in Autumn Term.
The choir is a member of Making Music, which is the
UK’s membership organisation for leisure-time music.
To go to the web site, click on the logo.