About Us
Origins and development
In the mid 1860s the North East Hants Choral Union was formed and in 1871 the Alton branch of the North Hants Choral Union held its second annual festival. In January 1872 the Hampshire Chronicle records the formation of Alton Choral Society and a concert performed on 4th May.
Later Alton Choral Society took part in the annual Petersfield Music Festival and for years that was all it did.
In more recent years we have built up our own programme of events here in Alton and the number of members choosing to travel to the Petersfield Festival has progressively dwindled. Accordingly, for the 2018 season it was decided that although some members would continue to participate in Petersfield as individuals we would no longer do so as a choir, which meant we would no longer have to spend rehearsal time preparing separate material for only some of the choir. Although some were disappointed, the logic of this was inescapable and the new arrangement is generally regarded as very successful.
Programme
The general pattern of our year is for four events: An Easter concert of contemplative and sacred music (typically on Good Friday afternoon); a Summer concert of lighter material; an Autumn concert which often adopts a topical theme (in 2018 it was the anniversary of the end of the Great War); and in Mid December we join other Alton musicians for the magical Wonder of Christmas concert at the Maltings Centre.
Some of the proceeds of the Easter and Summer concerts are for local charities, who usually help provide refreshments for the audiences.
We also sometimes sing in the hugely-popular Prom in the Park Summer event in Alton Public Gardens.
Conductor, Accompanist
The choir has always been blessed with excellent conductors, including Michael Hurd, Chris Gardner, Jane Grey, Steven Moore, Steven Petch.
Our current conductor, Wendy Busby, was appointed in September 2016. As well as being an inspirational leader who creates a wonderfully happy atmosphere, she sometimes enhances concerts with her exceptionally fine soprano voice.
Jane Palmer is our accomplished accompanist. Appointed in September 2015, she also lends her considerable expertise as a choir mistress on the occasions when we divide for rehearsals.
Rehearsals
The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the Salvation Army Hall, GU34 1HN (on the corner of Market Street and Amery Street) and welcomes new singers of all voice ages and voice types. Some ability to read music is helpful, but not essential. There is no audition. For further information, see our Contact page.
Membership fee
After initial exploratory attendances, people wishing to become regular members pay an annual fee of £120. This, together with ticket proceeds from some of our concerts (others are free, with a retiring charity collection) goes to pay for rehearsal and performance space, conductor and accompanist fees, and – not least – music.
