About the Choir

The Choral Society was established in 1835 during the reign of Queen Victoria and, with a lapse of six years during the war continued until 1991 when, after a temporary closure due to lack of numbers, it was re-started in its present form.  Monmouth Choral Society is the largest choral society in Wales with 120 members of all ages.

* Meets weekly, normally on Tuesday evenings in school term times, at Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth

* Performs at least three concerts in Monmouth each year, plus ‘away’ concerts’; has performed overseas

* Aims to give two major concerts a year (Spring and Autumn) with a professional orchestra, as well as a summer concert (with organ or orchestra) and a Christmas Concert

* Arranges opportunities for members to participate in massed choral ventures in major concert venues

* Arranges for members to participate in a choral workshop/masterclass directed by an experience choral trainer at least once a year

* Is committed to offering opportunities to young soloists about to embark on their professional careers

* Aims to involve students from local schools where appropriate

Monmouth Choral Society is proud to be part of a rich local musical scene and sets itself high standards of repertoire and performance.  To help achieve these standards the society employs a professional conductor and rehearsal accompanist.  In January 2010, Huw Williams took over the role of conductor and his first well-reviewed concert with the choir was a Mozart concert in March 2010. 

Since 1992 the society has staged at least two major concerts a year in its main venues in Monmouth, with top class soloists and orchestra.  The repertoire during this period (see Music History) has encompassed some of the greatest works in the choral canon as well as many less known works. 

Such ambitious programming depends on generous public support.  The promotion of a single concert can cost in excess of £6000.  The limited capacity of our regular venues means that money from ticket sales can never cover these costs.  Each major concert results in a substantial loss.  To make good this deficit, and to strive to attain the aspirations defined in our Artistic Policy, the society has to find thousands of pounds of additional revenue each year.  This is done through:

* Fundraising, events and draws

* Sponsorship, grants and donations

* Friends’ annual payments—Friends of Monmouth Choral Society

* Singing at local weddings and other events—Hire the Choir

MONMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY

Monmouth Choral Society—A charity registered in England & Wales, Reg. No: 501157