Choir History

The Choir was founded in November 1968 by conductor Robert Walker. It quickly established a distinct identity, performing annual concerts of major choral works alongside a traditional Christmas Wassail.

Jeffery Babb was appointed the Choir’s third conductor in 1979. Under his leadership, the Choir continued to enjoy significant success, with a diverse repertoire ranging from 16th-century a cappella music and Bach’s B Minor Mass to 20th-century composers such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Britten, Bernstein, Ravel, and Debussy. It also performed specially commissioned Madrigals composed by its founder. While the Choir has collaborated with other choral societies for larger 19th-century works like Verdi’s “Requiem,” it remains committed to its identity as a small chamber choir for authentic performances of Baroque and Classical music. The Choir has toured Germany, performed with the National Sinfonia and the English Chamber Orchestra, and broadcast on BBC Radio.

In November 2001, Steven Maxson became the Choir’s fourth Musical Director. Since then, the Choir has performed works by Bach, Brahms, Karl Jenkins, Handel, Haydn, Fauré, Mozart, Poulenc, Verdi, and Walton, as well as a popular concert of Jazz. Notable performances include Handel’s Messiah for the Choir’s 40th anniversary in April 2009 and again for its 50th anniversary in April 2019. In October 2014, the Choir joined forces with the Grimsby Philharmonic Choir for a performance of J.S. Bach’s B Minor Mass at Grimsby Central Hall.

Dr Alison Willis joined as the Choir’s conductor in November 2022, leading her first Christmas concert in December of that year. We are delighted to be working with Dr Willis and look forward to many future performances. Our recent repertoire has included music by Leighton, Fauré, Vivaldi, and Rutter, alongside a selection of light folk and popular songs.

We remain passionately dedicated to nurturing future generations of musicians. We frequently collaborate with local young people and are committed to engaging up-and-coming musicians as soloists.