BCS is proud of its long tradition of choral singing. We know we were founded by 1838, but could be older! The accompanying History section provides an overview and also a more detailed article on the origins and sometimes tortuous history of the choir.
The choir currently comprises some 70 amateur singers from many different walks of life. We are an audition SATB choir, but that is nothing to be concerned about as we only want to know if you can sing in tune and join get into the appropriate section.
Every season we perform 4 concerts in different local venues and more recently additional “compact concerts”, an hour long concert usually in a venue outside our district, and Come and Sing events. Over the years the Society has performed a stimulating and varied repertoire, both old and new, including new music – for our 175th anniversary concert we commissioned a new work, Cotton Mills by Zakiya Leeming. We employ both established and up and coming professional soloists for our concerts, usually with orchestral accompaniment – the Bury Camerata is a mix of RNCM graduates and more mature professional players.
BCS adopted its constitution in July 2000 and became a registered charity in October of that year. We are mostly self-financing, with income being raised from members’ subscriptions, concert ticket sales, programme adverts and some specific project sponsorship as well as donations.
Following the retirement of our long-term conductor, John Edwards, in 2007 after 39 years of wonderful service and music making with the choir, we have adapted and now employ a full professional Director of Music, Royal Conservatory of Madrid and RNCM trained Juan Ortuño, assisted by our professional accompanists, pianist Jonathan Ellis and organist, Elin Rees
The Society’s aim is the study and practice of choral music in order to foster public knowledge and appreciation of such music by means of public performances. Thus, we are eager to reach out to all sections of the community, nurture young talent, welcome new singers and encourage our audiences and the wider population across the borough and wider district to enjoy and become involved in choral music.
Click here to visit our Membership page to discover how to join us.