About the choir
Renowned for its high standards of singing and expression and with many successes in festivals and competitions the choir was formed in 1984 and is a female voice chamber choir. Members come from Leeds, Bradford, Keighley and Huddersfield meeting at the United Reformed Church in Bingley from 7.30 - 9.30 on Tuesday evenings.
Throughout the year the choir performs at concerts, festivals, competitions and occasionally on tour. In 2003 the choir had a successful concert tour in Norway, performing at venues by the fjords and in the central valleys as well as in Oslo.
Using funds from a Lottery grant the choir has commissioned new music, organised a residential vocal development course, promoted vocal workshops for schoolchildren and funded performances by young soloists at our concerts.
About the music
We sing music from all eras and in many styles. Much of what we sing is 'a capella' (unaccompanied) but we also sing with piano and instrumental accompaniment as the music requires. All music is performed from memory in the original language with the choir singing in a 'mixed' format. One of the aims of the choir is to explore new and challenging works as well as singing some of the most interesting music of the past. However, performances involve a mixture of music to allow something for everyone in the audience to enjoy.
About training
The choir provides an opportunity for young singers to train with the choir. They arrive at 7.00 and get a sight singing and vocal training session. A significant number of the adult choir also enjoy these sessions and take the opportunity to further hone their skills. Several times a year a professional singer is engaged to deliver a lesson for the young and adult members.
About the future
The choir is always developing and looking for new challenges. In the next few years we will have undertaken some foreign touring, recording and further workshops.
Other information
Singers perform in a recently developed uniform made individually for each member from a choice of materials and styles. A termly subscription is collected towards the running of the choir and sometimes singers are asked to provide their own music copies for particular pieces. When the choir travels by coach a charge is made to defray some of the cost at other times singers make their own way to events.
Contact details and further information
E-mail:
Opus 44
Conductor
