TOP CHESHIRE CHOIR CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW SEASON OF CONCERTS

One of Cheshire's top choirs is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the launch of its 2026/2027 season of concerts.

Chester Bach Singers new season is set to feature much-loved classical favourites alongside contemporary music, a special festive concert, the choir's annual workshop, and a celebratory gala concert which will see the world premiere of a brand-new, specially commissioned piece of music to mark the choir's anniversary.

The choir's first concert, set to be staged at The Queen's School on City Wall's Road, Chester on Saturday 17^th October from 3pm, will feature Ralph Vaughan Williams' celebrated "The Lark Ascending" performed by the choir and guest solo violinist, Ed Pether accompanied by pianist Catherine Barnett. Conducted by the choir's Musical Director Joeseph Judge, the concert will also include Anton Bruckner's "Locus iste" plus Will Todd’s contemporary version of the same, followed by music by BAFTA-winning composer Jessica Curry, Oliver Tarney and Sarah Quartel.

A graduate of the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music, Ed Pether has gone on to perform as guest principal Violinist in orchestras including the Hallé Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Orchestra of Opera North, and served as guest leader of the NEW Sinfonia in north-east Wales, performing as soloist in Vivaldi Four Seasons and Piazzolla Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. He has also performed with the Zelkova Quartet, winners of the St. Martin's Chamber Music Competition and finalists in the Royal  Overseas League Music Competition. Ed particularly enjoys contemporary music and has performed with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, also taking part in a performance exchange with the Ensemble Court-Circuit in Paris. 

Speaking about the choir's 50^th Anniversary, Helen Crich, the Chair of Chester Bach Singers said:

"We are delighted to be launching our 2026/27 season of concerts and events as we mark 50 years since the choir's formation. We look forward to welcome audiences old and new for our first concert which features Classic FM favourite The Lark Ascending when we will be joined by our special guest, Violinist Ed Pether. We are also excited to be performing at a new venue for us, The Queen's Senior School in Chester city centre."

Helen added:

"We are always looking to welcome new members and so, if you are interested in joining the choir, please do attend one of our open rehearsals on Wednesday 18th November and Wednesday 26th May, you'll be made most welcome."

Full details of Chester Bach Singers new season can be found at: 

www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk 

...where tickets can also be booked online.