Congleton Choral Society, Congleton, Cheshire, UK, a friendly and busy choir of some 70 voices with a wide and challenging repertoire of music

President: Sir Bernard Lovell FRS - Music Director: David Johnson
Reg Charity No: 515851

Email us:
Created by Peak Sites

Founded in 1971, this is a friendly and busy choir of some 70 voices. Since 1975 it has been under the direction of its present conductor, David Johnson.
Major works performed since 1975
	DAVID JOHNSON (Director of Music): Studied Organ and ‘Cello at Trinity College of Music, London. He continued his studies with Roger Fisher at Chester Cathedral, where he also gave a number of recitals. As a vocalist he has sung with the Britten Singers, the William Byrd Singers, and the BBC Northern Singers, with whom he performed regularly on television and radio. In addition to Congleton Choral Society, where he has been Director of Music for over 30 years, he conducts the chamber choir ‘Priory Voices’, as well being founder and Director of ‘Cantilena’, a professional group of singers who have provided the backing for a number of television advertisements – including one for the relief of headaches and migraine!! He recently completed a period on Moorlands Radio, where listeners voted him ‘The Best Weekend Specialist’ for his classical music show ‘Moorlands Classics’. In 2005 he was awarded a "Certificate of Excellence" by the Town Mayor, Mrs Margaret Williamson in recognition of his, and the Society's, outstanding contribution to the town of Congleton. In the picture, Margaret Williamson is flanked by David Johnson on the left and the Society's Secretary, Ken Ratcliff, on the right.
	ANDY DONALDSON Accompanist Andrew Donaldson is an accomplished musician and, until recently, was Head of Music at All Hallows School, Macclesfield. Under his baton the school choirs gave many prestigious concerts, both in the UK and abroad. Of particular pride was an invitation to sing in the Albert Hall in 1999. Andrew Donaldson is an accomplished musician and, until recently, was Head of Music at All Hallows School, Macclesfield. Under his baton the school choirs gave many prestigious concerts, both in the UK and abroad. Of particular pride was an invitation to sing in the Albert Hall in 1999. Since the untimely death of his son Martyn on 17th September 2002 at the age of just 30, Andy, together with his family and friends, established the 'Martyn Donaldson Music Trust'. The objective was to celebrate Martyn’s life and provide a lasting legacy to his achievements, dreams and ambitions. More information on the Trust and its forthcoming events can be found at http://www.mdmt.org.uk/ Congleton Choral Society are indeed fortunate to have secured Andy's talents as the Society's accompanist.

THE CHORAL SOCIETY YEAR
We perform 3 main concerts a year, Spring, Autumn and Christmas. The choir is invited to sing an Advent Service each year at our President, Sir Bernard Lovell's local Church at Swettenham, and a Good Friday service/concert at a local church.

In addition we are a regular guest choir for weekend services at various cathedrals, and occasionally have overseas trips.

The CANTILENA Orchestra
We are usually accompanied at our concerts by the Cantilena Orchestra, a flexible group of mostly young professional players drawn from Manchester, North Wales and the North West, occasionally augmented by gifted local musical students. Their playing receives accolades from audiences and critics alike.

Our Venues:

ST MARY'S CHURCH, ASTBURY
'The church of St Mary at Astbury is one of the most beautiful in the county. Its exterior, dominated by the detached tower and lofty spire, evokes the admiration of the beholder and this is increased when the majesty of the interior is surveyed.' So wrote Raymond Richards in his book 'Old Cheshire Churches.' Congleton Choral Society is privileged to perform in such majestic surroundings, and is most grateful to the Rector, Rev. Dr. Jeff Cuttell, for making the Society so welcome.

CONGLETON TOWN HALL
The Victorian Gothic architecture of Congleton Town Hall dominates the skyline. The present building was erected in 1864, at a cost of £8,000, and to a design of Mr E W Godwin. It was opened to the public on 11^th July 1866.

Over the years it has suffered many 'improvements'. Typical of these was the erection of a false ceiling in the 1960's, covering up the magnificent hammer-beams in the roof. However, thanks to the energies of local visionaries, the Town Hall is now restored to its former glory. Its wonderful features - including a stone minstrels' gallery - are on view to all.