About Us
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bridgwater Choral Society had approximately 60 members of various ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Traditionally, our Season started in September and we generally performed two main concerts each year, one in May and the other late November or early December. These usually took place in the beautiful Parish Church of St Mary's, although we have also performed in Bridgwater Town Hall, Bridgwater Baptist Church and St Andrew's Church in Stogursey.
We are very fortunate that following the pandemic and the resignation of Iain Cooper, members of the Choral Society Committee have been able to secure rehearsals for a reformed section of the choir called Harmonia, which has since become an extremely friendly and supportive group.
Harmonia rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the Salvation Army Hall, Moorland Road, Bridgwater under the leadership of Jackie Ayres, an experienced conductor, musician and teacher. We have already taken part in the Civic Carol Service, with a very positive response, as well as singing at Fyne Court and Blake Court.
For further details please see below
Why do we sing......
The health benefits of making music together are well researched and documented. Add to this belonging to a group of like minded people who socialise and support each other, and you have some idea of the new Harmonia choir. Sensitive singing with imagination, and technically striving for a pure and lovely sound is the aim of the conductor Jackie.
Each session incorporates relaxation exercises, breath control and aural awareness, the basis of a good and balanced sound. Some members are good music readers, some are not, but plenty of help is on hand for the less experienced singers. We aim for a good level of performance, plus dramatic interest.
A little more history......
Bridgwater & District Choral Society was re-formed in 1949. In more recent years it evolved to become Bridgwater Choral Society. For the last few years, two concerts have been given at Christmas, and two in the early summer, Harmonia sing varied music in 4 part harmony. Our repertoire has included classical composers - Handel, Mozart, Elgar, Vaughan Williams - for example to arrangements of folk songs, and modern composers such as Rutter and Whitacre. As Harmonia we were included in the Classic FM play list in 2022, singing unaccompanied! We were very proud of this accolade.
Harmonia sings, laughs and socialises together, so if you would like to sample our community, please come for 2 free taster sessions, in the Salvation Army Hall, Moorland Road, Bridgwater where there is plenty of free parking, excellent, accessible facilities with tea, coffee and biscuits served in the break.
For more information, or to register interest in trying us out, please contact Jackie Ayres, conductor, 07990293560, or Sue Pow, secretary, on 01278 662755.
The image used in the Choral Society logo is an illustration depicting part of The Cantoria (Singing Gallery), sculpted for the organ loft of the Cathedral of Florence by Luca della Robbia between 1431 and 1438.
