The New Harmony Ladies Choir of Bristol

At the Majestic Choir Festival 2009

Saturday, 21 February 2009

Courtesy of Keith Blanning.

Introduction

Based in Bristol, the New Harmony Ladies Choir is a local amateur choir of around 50 members. Our aim is to provide a forum for people who enjoy choral singing to practise and perform varied works, both accompanied and unaccompanied, in an atmosphere that is relaxed and friendly. The strength of the choir lies not only in the quality of its singing but also in the friendship that exists amongst its members.

Many of our concerts are in aid of local and national charities as part of their fundraising activities. Why not contact us to see if your favourite charity could benefit from one of our concerts? 

History

The New Harmony Ladies Choir was founded in 1994, with initially 19 members. This was following a successful tour of Germany by the Filton Male Voice Choir (now Bristol Male Voice Choir) under Morris Pearson, their Musical Director. After hearing a German Ladies Choir, Sally Pratt (the wife of one of the Male Voice Choristers) approached Morris and asked if he would consider establishing a ladies choir. Fortunately, Morris agreed and the foundation for the New Harmony Ladies Choir was laid. The original 19 members were wives of choristers from the Male Voice Choir. Morris's ultimate wish was to perform a concert in which he could conduct both his male and female choirs - and this was fulfilled in the Christmas of 1999.

EIaine Smith joined the New Harmony Ladies Choir as accompanist in the early 1990s. In 1998, she was appointed Deputy Musical Director and served the choir well during the illness of the late Morris Pearson. In April 2000, Elaine was appointed Musical Director. In the last six years, Elaine has taken the choir from strength to strength culminating with the BRACE Gala Concert with Aled Jones at the Colston Hall in June 2006.

In June 2006, Elaine decided to step down to enjoy her retirement and Ben England was appointed our new Musical Director who successfully took the choir to the Area Selection in Cardiff for BBC Radio 3's Choir of the Year. In January 2009, Charles Slade was appointed Musical Director and we look forward to working with him and achieving even greater heights! 

Matthew Goh was appointed accompanist to our choir in April 2005. He has a positive and creative relationship with the Musical Director and choristers alike.

In the early days, our music was mainly performed in two parts, but today all of the music within our repertoire is performed in three parts (SSA), occasionally with descant parts and solo voice performances. The choir has now grown to approximately 50 members, with many of the original 19 still members today.

Join Us!

We are always looking for new members to join our choir. If you enjoy singing, please come along to one of our Wednesday evening rehearsals where you will receive a very warm welcome. If you would like to obtain any further information about the choir, please contact us.

Webmasters

Matthew Goh, accompanist, New Harmony Ladies Choir.

Nicola Moore, member, New Harmony Ladies Choir.