Holmes Chapel Singers
Registered Charity No. 700051
Registered Charity No. 700051
Holmes Chapel Singers was formed as part of the Holmes Chapel Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HCAODS) in 1985. This society was founed in 1965 to provide music and drama in Holmes Chapel.
Initially the society produced musical shows, plays and pantomimes in the Victoria Hall. It gradually became too costly and difficult to put on musical shows in a village setting but singing members still wanted to perform and this led to the formation of the choral section, the Holmes Chapel Singers, whilst the drama side continued for some years as the Holmes Chapel Players.
The singers are made up of local people drawn from a large area around Holmes Chapel and perform a wide variety of music both traditional and modern, well know and less familiar works. Over the years, the choir has increased in numbers from 40 to over 70 regular singing members and has increased both in ability and confidence. No auditions are required, the whole idea of the Singers is that the more experienced help those with less and that everyone enjoys themselves.
The society has always encouraged the development of young professional singers and instrumentalists offering a valuable stage for solo experience when launching their career. One notable example is Ian Bostridge who has become a world renowned exponent of lieder. The return appearance of young singers such as Laurie Ashworth and Greg Hallam in November 2006 thrilled the audience and heralds promising future careers. Soprano, Patricia MacMahon from thr Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and baritone, Simon Crookall who is now the Chief Executive of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra have made several appearances. Both were soloists at the first concert in 1986 and again at the tenth anniversary in 1996.
The choir performs three concerts a year, sings with small orchestras made up of local musicians, including students from local schools, and uses professional soloists, often young people starting out on their careers. The Singers have performed most of their concerts in the Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre. Occasionally the choir combined with other similar sized choirs and local schools from Knutsford and Holmes Chapel to perform larger works.
Holmes Chapel Singers have hosted several Voices for Hospices concerts inviting local singers to ‘come and sing’ such well known works as the Messiah and Elijah as part of this worldwide fundraising event. These performances have all been well supported and have raised over £10,000 for local children’s hospices.
Holmes Chapel Singers has a small section made up of past members and friends of the society who provide front of house and catering at performances and help to raise funds by running a 200 Club and other individual fund raising events.
Ann Wintertom MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of Congleton have continued to be enthusiastic and supportive patrons and singers.
If you wish to contact Holmes Chapel Singers, please click on the email link on the ‘Contact’ page.
Initially the society produced musical shows, plays and pantomimes in the Victoria Hall. It gradually became too costly and difficult to put on musical shows in a village setting but singing members still wanted to perform and this led to the formation of the choral section, the Holmes Chapel Singers, whilst the drama side continued for some years as the Holmes Chapel Players.
The singers are made up of local people drawn from a large area around Holmes Chapel and perform a wide variety of music both traditional and modern, well know and less familiar works. Over the years, the choir has increased in numbers from 40 to over 70 regular singing members and has increased both in ability and confidence. No auditions are required, the whole idea of the Singers is that the more experienced help those with less and that everyone enjoys themselves.
The society has always encouraged the development of young professional singers and instrumentalists offering a valuable stage for solo experience when launching their career. One notable example is Ian Bostridge who has become a world renowned exponent of lieder. The return appearance of young singers such as Laurie Ashworth and Greg Hallam in November 2006 thrilled the audience and heralds promising future careers. Soprano, Patricia MacMahon from thr Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and baritone, Simon Crookall who is now the Chief Executive of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra have made several appearances. Both were soloists at the first concert in 1986 and again at the tenth anniversary in 1996.
The choir performs three concerts a year, sings with small orchestras made up of local musicians, including students from local schools, and uses professional soloists, often young people starting out on their careers. The Singers have performed most of their concerts in the Holmes Chapel Leisure Centre. Occasionally the choir combined with other similar sized choirs and local schools from Knutsford and Holmes Chapel to perform larger works.
Holmes Chapel Singers have hosted several Voices for Hospices concerts inviting local singers to ‘come and sing’ such well known works as the Messiah and Elijah as part of this worldwide fundraising event. These performances have all been well supported and have raised over £10,000 for local children’s hospices.
Holmes Chapel Singers has a small section made up of past members and friends of the society who provide front of house and catering at performances and help to raise funds by running a 200 Club and other individual fund raising events.
Ann Wintertom MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of Congleton have continued to be enthusiastic and supportive patrons and singers.
If you wish to contact Holmes Chapel Singers, please click on the email link on the ‘Contact’ page.
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Holmes Chapel Singers