Ripon Choral Society is a thriving, mixed choir with a membership of around 130 individuals. Our musical director, John Dunford, is a dynamic and inspirational leader with a wealth of experience who has guided the choir to ever-higher standards, delivering memorable performances for our audiences. John’s rehearsal style is relaxed and entertaining and we enjoy much laughter and fun amidst the more serious stuff of making music.
Our repertoire is extensive and we sing both popular and lesser known works from the classical choral repertoire. In recent years we’ve performed Verdi’s Requiem, Elgar’s The Kingdom, Britten’s War Requiem, Monteverdi’s Vespers, Handel’s Solomon and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. We’re privileged to perform three or four times a year with full orchestra and professional soloists in the magnificent venue of Ripon Cathedral.
We have an ongoing recruitment programme and welcome singers of all ages and abilities. You don’t have to be a skilled musician, though being able to read music, if only at a basic level, is needed. What’s important is your love of music and singing, together with a willingness to practise and to attend rehearsals regularly. There’s no formal audition but you will be asked to undertake a short and very easy voice test in a group, singing with other new starters. The objective is to confirm your voice, test your vocal range and ensure that you’re placed in the right section.
The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church, Berrygate Lane, Sharow. Rehearsals start at 7.30pm and finish at 9.30pm. We ask members to arrive in good time to check in at the attendance desk and take their seats ready for a prompt start. We have a rehearsal break at around 8.30pm when tea and coffee are available for purchase.
Music is available for hire at the first couple of rehearsals, usually at no charge, so there’s no need to purchase your own vocal score unless you particularly want to do so.
Our 25/26 membership fee is £180 a year for an individual, £340 for a couple, payable at the start of the season in September, either as a lump sum or in instalments by monthly standing order. The membership fee is pro-rated if you join part way through the season.
So, if you enjoy singing and are keen to meet others who share a love of music, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to try us out for a couple of weeks before committing to full membership then please contact the Secretary (email: info@riponchoralsociety.org.uk) or simply come along to a Wednesday evening. We look forward to welcoming you.
