A HISTORIC Bradford choir is preparing for its new season with a call out for more male singers.
Bradford Festival Choral Society has announced its 2024-2025 plans, ahead of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture 2025, along with a bold new logo celebrating the choir’s rich history, community spirit and future.
The award-winning 130-strong choir - which was founded in 1853 - is holding an open rehearsal on Wednesday, September 11 at Clock House, Bradford Grammar School.
Under Musical Director Thomas Leech, BFCS is on a mission to expand participation in choral singing, particularly in men. Says Thomas: “Our tenors and basses are a key part of the choir and we’ve built them up over the past few years - we want an even bigger sound though, so come and join us!”.
With the choir’s performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana planned for next March at St George’s Hall, Thomas says now is the perfect time to join the choir and be part of the wall of sound, along with the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, for O Fortuna.
The upcoming season offers a varied repertoire, beginning with Rossini’s operatic Petite Messe Solennelle on November 16 and the choir’s traditional Christmas concert featuring the Rothwell Temperance Band on December 14, both performances taking place at Price Hall, Bradford Grammar School.
The season’s highlight will be a grand performance of Orff’s Carmina Burana, which includes the epic O Fortuna, on March 29, 2025 in collaboration with the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra as part of the classical orchestral concert season at St George’s Hall.
The concert will celebrate Bradford’s City of Culture year, with the first half of the evening’s music being a modern masterpiece fusing Indian and Western musical traditions. The performance includes Reena Esmail’s This Love Between Us, featuring sitar and tabla. The season will culminate in June with a summer concert at Bradford Cathedral.
Says Chair of Trustees Sara Daniel: “As Bradford prepares to shine as the UK City of Culture, BFCS is not only gearing up for a season of exceptional music but also aiming to reflect the diverse and dynamic spirit of the city.
“New members are invited to join in the excitement by attending the open rehearsal on September 11 or visiting the BFCS website for more information on joining the choir or booking tickets for the upcoming concerts.
“Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a vibrant musical community and experience the joy of choral music with Bradford Festival Choral Society.”
* Visit bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk
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