I’m really excited to present Chester Bach Singers’ 2026/2027 season – the choir’s 50th anniversary!
Our first concert-recital on 17th October is centred around Ralph Vaughan Williams “The Lark Ascending” in Paul Drayton’s magnificent arrangement for choir and solo violin. This Classic FM favourite is partnered with pieces that firstly hark back to our previous season: Anton Bruckner “Locus iste” and Will Todd’s contemporary version of the same, followed with music by BAFTA-winning composer Jessica Curry, Oliver Tarney and Sarah Quartel.
On Saturday 19th December, our famous Christmas concert returns with that time-honoured tradition of old and new. From audience carols, snowy a cappella moments, sparkly organ accompaniment, 15th to 21st century carols, and of course, John Rutter – it’s the perfect festive occasion!
There’s a chance for you all to get involved on Saturday 30th January at our Workshop Day. Come along and enjoy a fun day diving into the repertoire – Cecilia McDowall “Shipping Forecast” uses original text by Seán Street and from Psalm 107, riffing on the musicality and lilt of the steadfast radio broadcast, and Kerry Andrew “All things are quite silent” isn’t only a brilliant folksong arrangement, but also a chance to bring out your best seabird impressions...
Our 50th anniversary concert on Saturday 13th March will feature a specially commissioned new work by composer Rory Johnston, taking inspiration from St Cecilia, the Patron Saint of music, in particular from Benjamin Britten “Hymn to St Cecilia”, which also features in the programme. The programme celebrates singing, music, love, and of course, Bach, with his motet “Lobet den Herrn”, and other works by Herbert Howells, Judith Weir, Chester-born Howard Skempton, Eleanor Daley, ending with “Let all the world in every corner sing” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Gabriel Fauré “Requiem” is one of the most well-known works in the choral repertoire, and our summer concert on Saturday 15th May is an opportunity to hear it be performed in David Hill’s fantastic chamber arrangement for choir, violin, cello, harp, and organ. The first half will feature heavenly and reflective music from John Sheppard, Edvard Grieg and Gabriel Jackson “Not no faceless angel” for choir, cello, and violin.
And finally … Chester Bach Singers are always keen to hear from potential new members, so if you’d like to experience what singing with us is like, you can join us at our OPEN REHEARSALS on Wednesday 18th November and Wednesday 26th May.
We hope to see you this season!
Joseph Judge
Musical Director
