St Albans Bach Choir is an amateur choir based in 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. The Musical Director is William Fox, Director of Music at the Cathedral.
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]
History and Organisation
Concert programme for the inaugural concert of the St Albans Bach Choir, 1924
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[4] up until interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert scheduled for March 2020 was cancelled, with no rehearsals or concerts until Autumn 2021.[citation needed]
According to the choir's Constitution,[5] 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 Director of Music at St Albans Cathedral (Andrew Lucas since 1998[6] 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.[citation needed]
Concerts and other appearances
Regular concerts
The choir normally gives three main concerts a year in St Albans Cathedral, with professional soloists and orchestra. In alternate years the Summer concert is normally one of the major events in the biennial St Albans International Organ Festival.[citation needed]
For many years, the choir has also presented charity carol concerts in December,[7] which are very popular. A local charity is chosen each year, supported by an afternoon and an evening concert, the former aimed especially at children.
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[4] have included:
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.[14]
Music Directors
The following is a list of music directors since the choir's founding:[4]
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