| St Albans Bach Choir | |
| Landscape: | yes |
| Origin: | St Albans, Hertfordshire, U.K. |
| Instrument: | choral |
| Genre: | Choral |
| Years Active: | 1924 - present |
| Website: | https://www.stalbansbachchoir.org.uk |
St Albans Bach Choir is an amateur choir based in the English cathedral city of St Albans. Since its founding in 1924 it has performed a wide range of choral music including but by no means limited to the great Bach masterpieces.[1] It strives for the highest possible standards of music making, employing soloists of the highest calibre and professional orchestras. Performances are normally held in St Albans Cathedral. Currently, the Musical Director is William Fox, Director of Music at the Cathedral.
The choir has been conducted by distinguished guest conductors Sir David Willcox, John Rutter CBE, Sir Richard Armstrong and Laurence Cummings.
In October 2018 the choir was recognised as being amongst "9 of The Best UK Choirs".[2]
The choir celebrated its centenary in 2024 with a season of outstanding concerts and the publication of a high quality book about the choir, its history, music and people.[3]
The choir is Registered Charity no. 285602[4]
Formed in 1924, the choir's first concert in April of that year consisted of a performance of Bach's St Matthew Passion under Mr Luttman. No concerts were given during the Second World War, but it has performed every year since 1947[5] up until interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert scheduled for March 2020 was cancelled, with no rehearsals or concerts until the Autumn of 2021.
According to the choir's Constitution,[6] its objectives include the "presentation of public choral concerts to the highest possible standards". In pursuance of this, membership is by audition with periodic re-auditions. In addition, members are required to take periodic individual singing lessons.
The Musical Director is normally the Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral (Andrew Lucas since 1998[7] and William Fox from Autumn 2024). The choir's President and Vice-President are the Bishop and Dean of St Albans respectively. However, there are no formal links with the Cathedral.
The choir normally gives three main concerts a year in St Albans Cathedral, with professional soloist and orchestra. In alternate years the Summer concert is normally one of the major events in the biennial St Albans International Organ Festival.
For many years, the choir has also presented charity carol concerts in December,[8] which have proven very popular. Two local charities are chosen each year, one supported by an afternoon concert aimed especially at children, and the other at an evening concert.
In July 2017, Laurence Cummings, Musical Director of the London Handel Festival conducted the choir in a performance of Handel's Messiah.[9]
In July 2013 Sir Richard Armstrong conducted the choir in a performance of Britten War Requiem.[10]
In November 2011 and again in April 2019 and November 2023 the choir performed John Rutter's Requiem, conducted on both occasions by the composer.[11]
In 1987, Sir David Willcocks conducted the choir in the world premier of the final revised version of Howard Blake Benedictus.[12] [5]
In 2019, Howard Blake himself conducted his Benedictus.[12]
In 2013, 2015 and again in 2019, the choir was invited by John Rutter CBE to take part in his hugely popular Royal Albert Hall Christmas Concerts.[13] [14]
Also at the Royal Albert Hall, the choir has twice been invited by the BBC to take part in the Songs of Praise Big Sing, broadcast nationally.[15]
In July 2017 the choir performed the Verdi Requiem in the Cadogan Hall, London, conducted by Peter Ash. A review described the choir as "marvellous – vibrant, committed, sensitive, dynamic and securely balanced and blended."[16]
In 2012 the choir performed the Rachmaninov Vespers in Lille Cathedral, and in 2008, Mozart's Requiem in the Rudolfinum, Prague.
In May 1978 the choir performed the Schubert Mass in E flat in the Royal Festival Hall, conducted by Denys Darlow, founder of the Tilford Bach Festival.
Christmas at St Albans (with the Cathedral Choir). Lammas Records LAMM081 1992.
Elgar Dream of Gerontius (also with St Albans Chamber Choir and St Albans Choral Society) St Cecilia Festival Society concert May 1988, with Catherine Wyn Rogers, Michael Goldthorpe, Michael George, conducted by Richard Stangroom. Lance Andrews Sound Services 1988.
Whilst a core component of the choir's repertoire includes J. S. Bach's three major choral works (St Matthew Passion, St John Passion and Mass in B minor), one of which is traditionally performed roughly every 2 years, it also extends from Monteverdi (Vespers of 1610, last performed in 1974) to the late 20th Century.
Notable concerts from recent years have included:
In 2006 the choir gave the first performance of Tenebrae by Joseph Phibbs, which was commissioned by the choir.[18]
In 1987, the choir gave the first performance of the final revised version of Howard Blake Benedictus, conducted by Sir David Willcocks.[12] [5]
In 2019 the choir gave the first performance of Walking in the Air by Howard Blake in a new arrangement with choral backing. The soloist was Peter Auty, the treble soloist in the film version, now a tenor.[19]
The following is a list of music directors since the choir's founding:[5]
Choir funds are supplemented by a small group drawing its members exclusively from the St Albans Bach Choir, but managed separately from the main choir. It advertises its services for events such as weddings and funerals, under the name "St Albans Celebration Choir".