This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Singers ready for first concert in 80th anniversary year
01/04/2022
Banbury Choral Society was founded in 1942 and will perform Bach’s “St John Passion”
Banbury Choral Society is celebrating the group’s 80th anniversary this year and will begin the 2022 season with a performance of J. S. Bach’s “St John Passion” tomorrow evening (Saturday April 2).
The society was founded back in 1942 during the second World War. Around 70 singers from Banbury and the surrounding villages are members, ranging in age from students through to the retired. The choir is led by Musical Director Julian Harris, who has played and conducted all over Europe. Local author, Felix Francis, is the society’s President.
Singers regularly meet on Monday nights during term time at Marlborough Road Methodist Church in Banbury. There is no audition to join, they just ask that members can sing in tune and commit to practice.
As part of tomorrow’s celebration of 80 years of singing, Banbury Choral Society will perform St John Passion at St Mary’s Church. The choir will be accompanied by the St James’ Players, an authentic Baroque ensemble from London. Five young soloists will feature including Mollie Smith (soprano), Rosamond Thomas (contralto) and Christopher Willoughby (tenor).
Bach’s work will be performed by the choir in German, with the audience provided with the English translation.
Tickets are still available here or at Banbury Tourist Information Centre. The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for under 16s.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam