Past Performances Archive

An archive of Concerts and Singing Days before 2021

December
2019

A Christmas Celebration
Carols old and new for choir and audience.

Comments from the audience
'Really enjoyed the concert .. the best I’e ever heard the choir sing.'
'Many congratulations to the choir for a wonderful concert.'
'The standard was on a par with many of the choirs featured on Classic FM.'

November
2019

Autumn Concert
Antonio Vivaldi - Gloria
Bob Chilcott - Christmas Oratorio

Comments from the audience
'How marvellous the concert was, full of enthusiasm and confidence.'
'The Vivaldi was truly magnificent. This was a performance with a difference.'
'The Chilcott Christmas Oratorio was full of atmosphere and wonderful sounds .. really moving.'
'The soloists were superb. Elin Rees (organist) played brilliantly throughout.'
'That was an absolutely beautiful concert. Well done to all.'
'Tonight I was privileged to hear this concert. It was excellent. The heights you have reached under Christopher Cromar's tutelage are amazing.'

October
2019

Chilcott Singing Day
Bob Chilcott - Christmas Oratorio

View photo

Comments from participants
'It was a day to remember forever. So pleased to have been a part of it.'
'Lived up to all my expectations. Fabulous!'
'Great Day. Lovely Music. Thanks to Bob Chilcott, Christopher Cromar, and to everyone who organised the event. Great Job.'
'How lucky you are to have such a leader for your singing day!'
'Thank you to everyone who contributed to creating such an enjoyable day singing together.'

July
2019

Amazing Day
John Brunning - Amazing Day
Bob Chilcott - Five Days That Changed The World
John Rutter - This Is The Day

Comments from the audience:
'Last night's concert was terrific - the best ever...'
'The choir .. were confident and happy .. and the sound was amazing.'
'The choir was magnificent, singing as one body in wonderful harmony. The [singers] responded to the conductor and provided light and shade in the works, at times drawing back completely then bursting forth fortissimo.'
'The music was tremendous, the duet by Chris and Dominic out of this world ..'
'The Chilcott piece was fabulous, real 'star quality'. That was the best we’ve ever heard you sing!'
'The best concert I have ever been to .. the music was enjoyable from start to finish and very accessible.'

April
2019

Spring Concert
Mozart - Great Mass in C minor
Mozart - Solemn Vespers

Comments from the audience:
'Heartfelt thanks to Christopher Cromar and the choir for a truly magnificent evening of music. How lucky we are to have such a performance taking place in our own town.'
'The ‘Not-So-Solemn’ Vespers bounced along with joy. The choir was in excellent form, and the soloists, especially the two coloratura sopranos in the Mass, were superb.'
From the soprano soloists:
'Such a pleasure to join you all on Saturday. Congratulations for a brilliant concert!”'
' It would be wonderful to sing with you all again. I thought the choir was superb.'

December
2018

Christmas Concert

November
2018

Autumn Concert
Beethoven - Missa Solemnis
with Altrincham Choral Society

Comments from the audience:
'What a wonderful experience ...'
'I will not forget last night, and the wonderful sound made by the two choirs.'
'Many members of the audience were transfixed by the music ...'
'Impressive ... moving ... inspirational ... divine.'

October
2018

Missa Solemnis Singing Day with Christopher Cromar

July
2018

Summer Concert 2018
Karl Jenkins - The Armed Man
Howard Goodall - Eternal Light

Review of Concert

Comments from the audience:
'CCS surpassed even its own high standards, providing an evening of exceptional entertainment'
'The organ and keyboard accompaniment for Eternal Light was magnificent, the soloists were excellent and the sound made by the choir was beautiful'
'The interpretation of The Armed Man was spell-binding ... The percussion and brass set the rhythm and atmosphere ... the phrasing and sound made by the choir was exquisite and poignant, and in places my breathing was on hold'
'There are no words to describe the concert on Saturday. Well done, how do you go home and sleep after that? Please convey my congratulations to all.'
'I loved it. Very dramatic and moving. The violin and flute in the Armed Man were fantastic.'
'The best concert you have ever given.'

April
2018

Eternal Light Singing Day
Howard Goodall - Eternal Light
Singing Day with Christopher Cromar

April
2018

Spring Concert
Mozart - Requiem
Haydn - Maria Theresa Mass
with Stockport Symphony Orchestra

Extracts from the press review:
'Superb Performances of Haydn and Mozart Masses...'
'Congleton Choral Society has excelled itself once again... (The choir's) singing was articulate and impressive... (the performance was) passionately and beautifully sung...powerfully dramatic...'
Mr Cromar impressively brought together two dramatically different settings of the mass. The joyful and spirited version by Haydn contrasted with the serious driving force of the Mozart Requiem with all its different dramatic emotions...
'The choir sounded fantastic. Its tone, articulation and contrasting moods were all very well-rehearsed. The orchestra enhanced the programme magnificently throughout. The four stunning soloists integrated well with the choir and orchestra, combining to make a superb and enjoyable evening.'

December
2017

Christmas Concert: 'Peace on Earth'
including Christmas Cantata - Geoffrey Bush
and carols for choir and audience.

November
2017

November Concert
Vivaldi - Gloria
Chilcott - Gloria and Requiem

Review of Concert

Comments from the audience:
'Congratulations on the wonderful performance from Congleton Choral Society and the soloists ... The programme was beautifully chosen, and the architecture of the Hall echoed the wonderful sounds and harmonies.'
'It was totally glorious. Thank you and well done to everyone involved.'
From the press review:
'A splendid concert which inspired us with exciting music and highlighted the musicianship of Congleton Choral Society under its Music Director Christopher Cromar... Click here to read the full review.'

October
2017

Shirley Court singing day
'The Journey': a Singing Day for 7 to 11 year olds. Half term fun with Shirley Court, Music Director of the Hallé Children's Choir.

Comments from the children:
'It was brilliant...'
'It was fun and exciting. I would come again because we all learned something new.'
'I really enjoyed the day and I've made lots of new friends... I enjoyed coming out to be a singing detective and show my enthusiasm with a song. Thank you Shirley for giving me a solo...First time on the stage, loved it.'
'I really like singing and the adults were very kind.'
'I really enjoyed today... I'd love to come again.'
Comments from parents and grandparents:
'Awesome and galvanising. Well done one and all.'
'What a brilliant performance!'
'Amazing! What a fabulous concert achieved in such a short space of time. An absolute treat. My daughter is raving about her day already and has asked to come again. Many, many thanks.'
'Amazing to hear and see what they had produced in such a short time, my daughter really seems to have had a great time and it's brilliant for her confidence...Thank you.'
Comments from Shirley Court:
'I will do it again. Loved it. The children worked very hard and learned about singing, performing and working as a team.'

September
2017

Bob Chilcott singing day
Exploring Chilcott's own Gloria and Five Days That Changed The World

Comments from guests:
'Amazing day.'
'What a wonderful day it was with Bob Chilcott. The organisation was excellent, St Michael's Church a beautiful venue, and of course Bob and your wonderful Chris Cromar on the piano made the day quite exceptional ... Bob certainly exceeded my expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed his music and the whole experience.'
'Thank you to all the team at Congleton for a fantastic Singing Day. Bob and Chris Cromar were a great team. Loved the music, particularly the Gloria. Looking forward to hear you sing it on the 11th November.'
'Really enjoyable day, such beautiful music and so many funny stories from Bob Chilcott!'

September
2017

Come and Sing with Christopher Cromar
Handel - Zadok the Priest and My Heart is Inditing
Vivaldi - Gloria

July
2017

A Summer Concert of English Music
Vaughan Williams - Five Mystical Songs
Stanford - Songs Of The Fleet
Elgar - From The Bavarian Highlands
Edwards - Songs of Love and Life

Review of Concert

Comments from guests:
'Loved all the music.'
'A fabulous uplifting concert...well done to the team.'

July
2017

Four Hands ~ One Piano

An afternoon piano recital followed by cream tea. A display of virtuosity by Dominic John and Christopher Cromar including Liszt - Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.

Comments from guests:
'A lovely way to round off a great weekend of music.'
'A fantastic piano recital by Christopher Cromar and Dominic John this afternoon.'

April
2017

Singing Day with Christopher Cromar
Karl Jenkins - The Armed Man

Quotes from guests:
'Thank you for your hospitality on Saturday. It was a super day and the refreshments and venue were excellent. It was really enjoyable.'
'It was a fantastic day. I loved every minute.'
'The day was well organised, led by Chris Cromar's expertise and brilliant piano accompaniment from Andrew Green.'
'Thank you to all the 'tea' ladies and 'bakers'.'
'I was buzzing for ages afterwards and didn't want the day to end.'

April
2017

Spring Concert 2017
Bach - St John Passion

In this beautiful and dramatic work Bach captures the high drama, tension and pathos of the final days and hours of Christ's life. We welcomed back the Northern Baroque Sinfonia, who accompanied the performance. The words were sung in English.

Review of Concert

From the audience:
'A great concert ...'
'Just to say how much we enjoyed the St John Passion. The choral parts sounded wonderful. Congratulations! Neither of us knew the work and would certainly go to another performance of it.'
'Superb...loved the orchestra ... the usual very high standard. Thanks.'
'Wonderful performance.'

December
2016

We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Carols for choir and audience

We celebrated the Christmas season with carols old and new - joyful music with something for everyone.

From the audience:
'The concert really was magical...'
'That was lovely! A big thank you to all who worked so hard to make such an enjoyable evening.'
'The readings and the music were excellent...'
'The mixture of traditional and contemporary worked well...'

November
2016

Messiah
Handel's Messiah

Handel's dramatic and moving oratorio Messiah had a rapturous reception at its first performance in 1742 and is still much loved today by audiences and singers alike.

We were delighted to welcome back for this concert professional soloists Charlotte Richardson (soprano) and Emma Stannard (mezzo soprano). Equally welcome, and appearing for the first time with the Choral Society, were Richard Hansen (tenor), Stuart Orme (bass) and the musicians of Northern Baroque who accompanied the performance.

Review of the Concert

From the audience:
'Every word clear as a bell ... a lovely warm sound.'
'Greatly enjoyed the Messiah last night and thought you gave an excellent performance.'
'The soloists were excellent and how good that the orchestra was so sympathetic to the singing.'
'Choir in excellent form and all soloists brilliant. Handel would be pleased.'
And from the Orchestra:
'Thank you Congleton for a wonderful Messiah yesterday with Northern Baroque! Getting the season off to a good start.'

October
2016

Singing Day with David Hill
Bach's B minor Mass

The 2016 Singing day featured David Hill with 140 singers.

Quotes from guests:
'What a fantastic day and it was very well organised. A big vote of thanks to all who worked so hard behind the scenes.'
'David Hill gave a good balance between attention to detail, voice techniques and letting us have a good sing.'
'... It was extremely well organised ... and it was a lovely place to sing (I've not been to one of the singing days in Macclesfield before). It was also lovely to meet lots of new singers'
'David Hill was excellent... Good cake selection on offer at lunchtime!...[The music] was so difficult at times ... BUT it is good to be challenged!!..I will definitely book onto next year's Chilcott Singing Day.'

September
2016

Come and Sing
Selections from Handel's Messiah

Led by Christopher Cromar in aid of Congleton United Reformed Church funds.

July
2016

Grand Anniversary Concert
Works by Parry - Wood - Stainer - Maunder

A programme of majestic music celebrated the 150th anniversary of the opening of Congleton Town Hall in July 1866

Review of Concert

Soprano soloist Charlotte Richardson tweeted:
'Congratulations @congletonchoral for a GREAT concert this evening! Thank you for having me.'
From audience members:
'Congratulations on a wonderful Town Hall Anniversary concert. The choir was well balanced and in top form. Thoroughly enjoyed the programme . I've never heard the Stainer or Maunder before but both were beautiful and well performed by all.'
'The choir was outstanding ... loved the music.'
'Beautiful singing ... brilliant top notes from the sopranos.'
From a choir member:
'Many thanks to Christopher Cromar for his inspirational conducting. This was my first concert singing with the choir in Congleton, I look forward eagerly to many more.'

May
2016

Harvestehude Symphony Orchestra
Harish Shankar - conductor
Brahms Symphony No. 1 in C minor.
Dvorak Cello Concerto in B minor.
Handel My heart is inditing with Congleton Choral Society.

The Harvestehude Symphony Orchestra, based in Hamburg, Germany, was on tour for a week in May to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We were delighted that Congleton Town Hall was chosen as one of the tour venues, and honoured to have the opportunity to take part as a choir. This was a rare opportunity to hear great music performed by excellent musicians under the inspiring direction of Harish Shankar, a rising star in the world of conducting.

Review of Concert

Comments from the audience:
'...a unique experience to welcome a such a large orchestra to Congleton Town Hall.'
'...a rare opportunity to be 'up close and personal' to such talented musicians.'
'Dvorak's cello concerto was the highlight of the evening, featuring a sensitive and assured performance from the young cellist Jacob Stepp. Between passages of tremendous power, quieter ones allowed each section of the orchestra to show its musicality and technique, which they did admirably. It is difficult to imagine a professional orchestra bettering the technical virtuosity and musical sense manifested by this amateur unit.'
'The choir's confidence shone through... their account of Handel's music was radiant. All parts were heard clearly and diction was admirable.'

April
2016

The Dream Of Gerontius
Edward Elgar's The Dream Of Gerontius
Congleton Choral Society with Salford Choral Society
and the Orchestra of the North.

Elgar's powerful and moving work, dramatizing words by Cardinal Newman, follows the epic journey of the soul of the dying Gerontius as he passes from life to death, comforted and guided by a protective angel. Two choirs and a large professional orchestra joined together to perform this magnificent work.

Review of Concert

Quotes from the audience:
'A superb interpretation of this marvellous work.'
'The orchestra was magnificent and the quality of the singing was beautiful.'
'This is the 18th time I have heard Gerontius and this was one of the best performances.'
'The experience was awesome, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.'

December
2015

Christmas Concerts
Family Carols
What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?

This year we celebrated the Christmas season in style with two concerts on the same day. In the afternoon, the family matinee featured Congleton Children's Choir, Congleton Choral Academy, and friends. In the evening, our traditional Choral Society Christmas concert presented carols new and old for choir and audience. Christopher Cromar conducted both concerts.

Review of Concert

Quotes from guests:
'Thank you for a splendid evening with a good varied selection of carols.'
'I enjoyed the evening concert immensely, as did the couple who were sitting next to me. It was their first visit to the Choral Society and they were really impressed.'
'I enjoyed the mix of new material...the readings were excellent...the Choral Academy and the Children's Choir in the afternoon both did well.'
'What a lovely concert in the afternoon, the Children's Choir were brilliant and it was very enjoyable.'

November
2015

Autumn Concert
Rutter - Gloria
Fauré - Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine

In honour of John Rutter's seventieth birthday, we presented his Gloria, described by the composer himself as 'exalted, devotional and jubilant by turns'.
Gabriel Fauré's Requiem, a beautifully gentle and lyrical setting of the Mass, is much loved by singers and audiences alike, as is his Cantique de Jean Racine which completed the programme.

Review of Concert

Quotes from guests:
'A tremendous concert, literally raised the roof and well appreciated by the audience. Thank you.'
'Amazing ... stunning ... beautiful ... so fitting a dedication to the people of Paris.'
'It was a privilege to be in the audience... Christopher Cromar's Dubois 'Toccata' was mesmeric.'
'Fab concert! Beautiful music masterfully performed - Thank you.'
... and from a choir member:
'It was a terrific experience and a privilege to sing in this concert.'

October
2015

Rutter singing day
On Saturday 17th October, members of Congleton Choral society were delighted to welcome more than 100 singers who gathered from far and wide to attend a Singing Day in celebration of John Rutter's seventieth birthday year.
The day was spent learning and performing selections from Rutter's much-loved music. Lively choral sessions under the skilful and entertaining leadership of the society's music director Christopher Cromar were punctuated by breaks for hot drinks and home-made cake. (Someone was heard to remark that 'CCS obviously stands for Congleton Cake Society'!)

Singing Day Review

Quotes from guests:
'So much encouragement all the way through from so many people. Having spoken to several other visitors I think it quite fair to say it certainly was a particularly special experience for those of us coming as guests. "Watch me and use me," Christopher said ... testing that invitation really worked. CCS singers worked extremely hard, not only hosting throughout but generously and unobtrusively sharing their experience, spreading confidence and a joy of celebrating music that will last a very long time.'
'Thank you for a wonderful day! The choice of music was lovely and Christopher Cromar was a very supportive leader. Great accompanist, Andrew Green as well. Although I didn't find all the music easy to get to grips with, it was so good to be surrounded by so many lovely singers. i look forward to any future singing days.'

July
2015

Of Love and Music
Congleton Choral Society with Congleton Children's Choir's concert Of Love and Music was dedicated to the society's late president Margaret Williamson MBE DL. It was an absolutely spell-binding concert from beginning to end. The music director, Christopher Cromar, spoke for himself and for the whole Choral Society as he shared some personal memories of the huge contribution made to the Society in various ways by Mrs. Williamson.

Concert Review

From members of the audience:
'Wow, what a fabulous concert! CCS goes from strength to strength......'
'The Carmina Burana was stunning - no wonder there was a standing ovation'
'You could not wipe the smile off my face for the way the children’s choir sang. Their enthusiasm and commitment was absolutely superb.'
'What a great concert - really uplifting. Thank you CCS for a fantastic experience.'
'I wouldn't have missed it for the world...'
'The percussionists...were brilliant and made the performance'

March
2015

Elijah
On March 21^st I went to the Town Hall to hear Mendelssohn's Elijah performed by the Congleton Choral Society. Looking around me, the audience appeared transported, excited and thrilled to be listening to conductor Christopher Cromar realise Mendelssohn's work.

Concert Review

From members of the audience:
'The most amazing evening [we have] ever attended.the emotion of the music and singing was so powerful...[we] will never miss another of your concerts'
'I really did not wish to go to this concert but I am so glad I did as it was tremendous!'
'The best thing yet!'
'Enjoyed it tremendously, a very polished performance'
'A super evening; you must have worked so hard. I'm definitely coming in July'
'Stunning'
'Wonderful concert....there was a perfect balance and blend between the choir and the orchestra...magical unaccompanied singing from the ladies in "Lift thine eyes"'
'I think you were all absolutely fantastic. I still can't believe that a small town such as Congleton has such a professional choral society. [The music was] so spiritual and uplifting'

December
2014

Make Good Cheer and Be Right Merry
Christmas Concert.
Christopher Cromar, the musical director of Congleton Choral Society, ensured that the audience were treated to a memorable Christmas concert in Congleton Town Hall on 20th December 2014. The programme drew on many rich traditions of choral music and was ably accompanied on the piano and organ by Andrew Green.

Concert Review

From members of the audience:
'The choir gets better and better every year'
'A lovely concert with a fabulous sound'
'The concert was truly beautiful and I am still dancing on air'
'Marvellous music'
'My wife and I attended your lovely concert on Saturday. I was so impressed with the Choir.....I would be very interested in joining if my voice was acceptable. I sing Bass'

November
2014

Lest We Forget
1914 - 1918.
Congleton Choral Society's concert 'Lest We Forget' was dedicated to the memory of those who fought, died or were wounded in the First World War. The music was chosen for its power to bring comfort and consolation; it also ensured that we would never forget the horror and suffering in war. It was a wonderful evening with a truly appreciative audience, but it should have been 'standing room only' for this performance!

Concert Review

From members of the audience:
'The poem at the start - you really nailed it, stunning and the Duruflé [Requiem] was amazing.'
The Duruflé is in parts difficult for the listener and more so for the singer, it was performed extremely well, with great sensitivity. The Haydn [Nelson Mass] was so uplifting and a joy to listen to. Well done, you must be shattered!
'I thought that the concert was excellent. The music was quite difficult so more power to you all for your performance.'
'The Duruflé was absolutely beautiful'
'Best Duruflé ever, and the Haydn was uplifting'
'Duruflé such difficult music, sounded great.'
'A wonderful concert'.
From our choir members:
'The bass soloist was very complimentary. He hadn't sung the Duruflé before. He commented that he had heard other more well known choirs perform this piece and we CCS, were much better!'
'Our neighbours who came to the concert said it was very enjoyable and uplifting. The Guest piece set the tone admirably.'

July
2014

Fascinating Rhythm
An evening of Americana
Congleton Choral Society invited two musical stars to take part in the summer concert at Congleton Town Hall on Saturday 19^th July. They were singer Emily Dankworth and pianist Dominic John. The audience thoroughly enjoyed their contribution to a varied programme of light music and jazz. One member of the audience commented that it was 'a super change from the usual repertoire'.

Concert Review

From the audience feedback form:
'Excellent in all respects'
'What a super change from the usual repertoire'
'Enjoyed the excellent piano duo'...'wonderful sound'...'very talented musicians' (about Christopher Cromar and Dominic John)
'Good variety, enjoyed Emily Dankworth especially, amazing voice range, very many thanks'
'Good to hear modern choral popular music; but we have never been disappointed!'
'Nice to see the choir so relaxed'
'Brilliant!'

Note: Concert Reviews for the performances below will be added soon.

April
2014

A Night at the Opera

Extract from a review published by the Congleton Chronicle, 24th April 2014:
A Night at the Opera - and what a brilliant night it was...
- and what a brilliant night it was.
People ask 'What is opera?' It is stylish, funny, dazzling, often beautiful, often sad, cruel, warm-hearted, serious and even sexy. It is a form of music and drama that has enriched our lives for hundreds of years. That is what Congleton Choral Society, with four excellent guest artistes, gave us on 5th April in the Town Hall.

From an audience member sent in via our web site:
Congratulations to all on a truly wonderful concert. The whole programme was a delight with superb soloists and the choir sang the opera choruses magnificently with good diction and tone. The overall sound and view from the gallery was very enjoyable!!
From an alto who took part:
Wow, what a night! Fantastic soloists, brilliant pianist and our musical director was, as usual, inspiring us to be at our best. How lovely it was that the audience seemed to enjoy it too.
From a member of the bass section currently not singing with us:
A truly wonderful concert. Well done everyone; I was sad (and envious) not to be up there with you. My guests loved it too.
From a soprano who couldn't sing in the concert:
What a sensational concert ! Sorry I was unable to sing with you but it was great to simply sit and enjoy all your hard work. Fab....u...lous! And what a pianist! Amazing.
From someone who has been involved 'by marriage' with CCS for many years:
I can't remember ever hearing such superb soloists and pianist in the town hall; what a wealth of talent. We were fortunate to be in the audience last night.
From a young member of our front-of-house team:
My first real taste of opera, and I enjoyed. I'm more cultured than I thought. I will be humming slightly irritating tunes for a while though. Well done CCS.
From a soprano who took part:
[It was] a wonderful concert. I was in seventh heaven as were my 10 guests (had to get my brownie points in there!) who came to watch and listen. They said it was our best concert to date, loved the soloists and admired all the ladies in our evening gowns.
Overheard in the gallery as we walked on:
Don't they all look glamorous!

December
2013

Christmas Concert

'Nice to see you, to see you ... nice' announced the compere; 'nice' was the loud response. No, this is not a report of the final of Strictly Come Dancing but of Congleton Choral Society's Christmas Concert.

Extracts from letters to Congleton Chronicle:

Full of praise for town choral society
I congratulate Congleton Choral Society on a marvellous Christmas carol concert in the Town Hall... The recently formed children's choir...impressed the audience with the quality of their varied offerings that speaks volumes for future events in which they participate.
...The town is fortunate to possess such a number of talented singers who are willing to invest a considerable time rehearsing under their brilliant conductor to offer a performance that I will remember for many years.
- Dr. Peter Hirst

Christmas carol concert was outstanding
...Without any doubt the Congleton Choral Society’s Christmas carol concert was just that [outstanding] in every sense of the word. ... The musical director, soloists, the readings and the choir itself were all magnificent... [and as for] the extraordinary children’s choir...it was impossible not to be moved by their performance after only about three months of rehearsal.
- Neville Price.

Audience feedback:
"It was a good'un as usual and the Children's Choir went down a storm. The training they'd had from Christopher Cromar clearly shone through. Hopefully it will encourage other children to join."
"The audience seemed delighted with it, all my guests said the sound was amazing, stunning and precise."
"We are in total awe of the standard of performance you achieve at every concert, engaging with the audience and obviously enjoying all that you do."
"The Concert was a roaring success and everyone said how much they enjoyed it."
"The children were absolute stars (as was Christopher [Cromar]). A well balanced programme."
"[Choir members] Clare and Liam’s solos were particularly memorable."
"I enjoyed [W] Terry [Fox’s] readings. The programme was a good mix of everything."
"Christopher [Cromar] has done wonders with the children."
"It was a joyous occasion."

November
2013

Autumn Concert
Mozart - Requiem
Haydn - Harmoniemesse

'We hope it leaves you feeling as uplifted after hearing it as we feel after singing it.' I read these words in the programme as I sat in the large audience at Congleton Town Hall last Saturday for the Autumn concert of Congleton Choral Society. The event did not disappoint.

Audience feedback:
"Wonderful concert...one of the best!"
"We were enthralled with the whole thing"
"It was a spine-tingling evening"
"The Haydn was amazing; there were moments of sheer joy"
"Our guests from Switzerland....were blown away by the scale of the event and the professionalism of the choir"
"The soprano section's top notes were effortless and beautiful"
From a member of the Philharmonic Ensemble:
"It was a joy to play for such a good choir"

July
2013

Road to Heaven
Bob Chilcot - Requiem
John Rutter - Feel the Spirit
Where and when did this wonderful event happen? Well, anyone who went to St Peter's Church, Congleton last Saturday evening (13^th July 2013) will surely know.
Who were responsible for such joy? Congleton Choral Society.

March
2013

Viva Vivaldi
Vivaldi - Gloria
Handel - Dixit Dominus
On March 23rd at the Town Hall, Congleton Choral Society presented two contrasting works, each one a pearl in the crown of baroque music. Under the direction of MD Christopher Cromar, the choir joined forces with the Philharmonic Ensemble, leader Andrew Orton, and five professional soloists to perform Handel's Dixit Dominus and Vivaldi's Gloria.

December
2012

Christmas Concert
Christmas Carols for Choir and Audience
There's always an extra special feeling about the Christmas Concert when it takes place very close to the day itself; as one of the audience remarked, "it means Christmas is almost here". This year the Town Hall was full to overflowing on December 22nd.

November
2012

Handel's Messiah
A magnificent concert dedicated to the memory of the late Sir Bernard Lovell
It was the evening we had all been waiting for as we rehearsed Messiah every Monday, sure that it would be wonderful on the night. And it was indeed as wonderful as anyone could have wished!

October
2012

Singing Day With Bob Chilcott
Congleton Choral Society hosts singing day for 250 singers
Congleton Choral Society welcomed 250 singers from a very wide area to a glorious singing day on 6th October 2012. The composer Bob Chilcott was making his second visit for such an occasion.

July
2012

Pomp and Pageantry
Celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Even those of dyed-in-the-wool republican tendencies seemed to be swayed by the exuberance of Congleton Choral Society's Diamond Jubilee concert on Saturday evening at St Mary's Church, Astbury. The weather was kind.

April
2012

Sprig of Thyme
John Rutter - The Sprig of Thyme
Johannes Brahms - Lieberslieder Waltzes and Neue Lieberslieder Waltzes
After months of preparation to get the sheer volume of music ready, the Choral Society presented its Spring Concert on Saturday April 28th. As the audience took their seats, their first appreciative 'oohs'.

December
2011

Christmas Carol Concert
With readings by W. Terry Fox
Flourishing under the expertise and enthusiasm of musical director Christopher Cromar, Congleton Choral Society recently performed a carol concert that, although traditional, was infused with some beautiful new Christmas music.

St. Peter's Church
Swettenham

November
2011

Advent at Swettenham
Advent service at St. Peter's Church, Swettenham
Advent at Swettenham is one of the most beautiful church services of the year in one of the loveliest old churches in Cheshire. Congleton Choral Society has sung the service there for many years, due to its links with the late Sir Bernard Lovell.

October
2011

On Angel's Wing - a celebration of love
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Five Mystical Songs
Cecilia McDowall - On Angel's Wing
George Shearing - Songs and Sonnets of Shakespeare
Howard Goodall - Psalm 23
Comments from the audience include: "I could have been in the Royal Albert Hall, I am in awe. I have heard many local choirs but this was just amazing"; "Wonderful singing, such quality" "McDowell was so complex, well done.

April
2011

Spring Concert
Joannes Brahms - German Requiem
and additinal music by Bruckner, Haydn, Schubert
The choir opened the concert with two motets by Anton Bruckner, 'Locus Iste' and 'Ave Maria'. These exacting unaccompanied pieces demand fine tuning and sensitive singing, which the choir achieved well, especially in the 'Ave Maria'.

October
2010

The Armed Man
Karl Jenkins - The Armed man, a Mass for Peace
and additional music by Vaughan Williams and C Hubert Parry
The concert opened with Walt Whitman's tone poem "Towards the Unknown Region", set to haunting and dramatic music by Vaughan Williams in 1906. This was a first for CCS.

September
2010

Bob Chilcott Singing Day
A day of singing with one of the UK's
major choral conductors and composers
After many months of organisation, on a bright autumnal morning, members of Congleton Choral Society welcomed 270 singers to St Michael and All Angels Church in Macclesfield to make music under the expert guidance of Bob Chilcott.

May
2010

Spring Concert
Haydn - Nelson (Imperial Mass)
Charpentier - Te Deum
Pergolesi - Magnificat
In the Town Hall on May 1st, Congleton Choral Society gave a challenging programme of Charpentier, Pergolesi and Haydn that really put the choir (and the audience, some might say!) on its mettle.

October
2009

A Love For All Seasons
Mozart amd Handel
W. Terry Scott (Poet)
This was Congleton Choral Society's first concert with its new Musical Director Nick Concannon Hodges and it was planned as 'something completely different'

Paul Spicer
Choral Conductor

September
2009

Singing Workshop
With Paul Spicer
Singing is good for you, which is why more than 100 singers came to Congleton Town Hall to sing in a workshop organised by the Congleton Choral Society. Guest conductor was Paul Spicer, a Professor of Choral Conducting at the Royal College of Music

David Johnson
Musical Director

May
2009

David Johnson's Farewell Concert
Handel, Haydn and Mozart
The Town Hall was a sell-out for David Johnson's last concert with the Choral Society on May 2nd, with extra chairs needed to seat the audience. The opening bars of Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' burst into this expectant atmosphere...read more

Yaiza Mata Naval
Flautist

October
2008

An English Evening
Vaughan Williams - Serenade to Music
Andrew Carter - Horizons
Henry Wood - Fantasia on English Sea Songs
Mozart - Flute Concerto No 2 in D
Images from the rehearsal of Mozart's Flute Concerto No. 2 in D major (K 314)

October
2008

Haydn's Creation
Congleton Choral Society brings Haydn to the Town Hall, but where was the man himself?
On May 3rd, the Saturday of the recent bank holiday, the conductor David Johnson led the Choral Society, the Cantilena Orchestra and three eminent solo singers in a performance of the Creation by Josef Haydn. An article in another newspaper announcing the event stated confidently that the performance would feature Josef Haydn himself

**John Rutter**

2007

John Rutter Singing Day
The John Rutter Singing Day was held in the beautiful and welcoming Macclesfield Parish Church, St Michael and All Angels, and attracted 403 singers mostly from the North West Midlands, but including carloads from Cumbria and a coach from Coventry. The church, located in the Market Place, was a splendid venue.

William Dutton (13)
Soloist

October
2007

Autumn Concert
Andrew Burr - Missa Brevis
Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 2
John Ireland - Ex Ore Innocentium
Gabriel Fauré - Pie Jesu from Fauré's Requiem
This was one of our most ambitious concerts ever, but we were able to secure the resources to do it is such a way that it must have been one of the best musical events ever in Congleton. We had two major stars, and in addition the choir performed a world premiere

15 May 1999: Spring Concert
Felix Mendelssohn - Psalm 42 "As the Hart Pants"
Giacomo Puccini - Messa di Gloria

Concert Programme

Past Performances Archive

An archive of Concerts and Singing Days before 2021

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