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The inspired, commanding singing that followed created the perfect ending and underscored what must surely go down as Henley Choral Society’s finest hour.

Trevor Howell, Henley Standard (Bach St John Passion)

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    The friendliest choir I have sung in - and I have sung in a few!
    HCS member

    In 2023 Henley Choral Society celebrated our special 50th Anniversary with an exciting schedule of events, including the world premiere of a new composition specially commissioned by Henley Choral Society from internationally renowned British composer, Cecilia McDowall. You can read more here

    We try to be one of the most 'professional', yet one of the friendliest amateur choirs in the Thames Valley.

    Our standards continue to rise under recent Musical Directors but we remain a firmly non-auditioned chorus. There are always places available in the Tenor and Bass sections, but please do get in touch whatever your voice part - in our 100 strong chorus there is room for all. In keeping with our charitable objectives, membership for singers aged 18-30 is free!

    Many of our members have sung in previous choirs but all you need is a love of singing: an ability to read music is useful. We have a work hard / play hard ethos and provide plenty of support for practice at home as well as additional sectional rehearsals and workshops. We drink in a local pub after rehearsals!

    Rehearsals take place at 7.30pm on Mondays during term-times, currently at d:two near the centre of Henley. See map for location.  For current rehearsal schedule please see the main Members page.  For more information call Wendy Hawkins, Membership Secretary on 01491 576929.

    We also have two superb non-auditioned Youth Choirs, covering ages 7-11 and 12-17. For information on joining the Youth Choirs, see the Youth Choir pages.

    If you are wondering whether to take that first step, then please do get in touch. You can find out more from Wendy then enjoy your first rehearsal on a complimentary basis. If you decide to join us - and we hope you do - the annual subscription fee is £160.00. What else can you do that is so much fun for less than £1.00 per hour?

    Check out the pictures below to see us in concert over the years!

    We run a wide range of workshops and singing events for our members, fellow singers and the public, led by our own Musical Director and guest conductors.

SONGS OF PEACE

 

7.30pm Saturday, 6th April 2024, The Great Hall, University of Reading

 

June 6th 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the largest Naval, Air and Land Operation in history.  Ahead of these commemorations, at 7.30pm on April 6th at The Great Hall, University of Reading, Henley Choral Society presents a concert of works by British composers written between 1916 and 1945, on the themes of peace, service and sacrifice.  Performing Vaughan Williams haunting Dona Nobis Pacem (‘Grant us peace’), Elgar’s rousing The Spirit of England and the beautiful Lo, the Full, Final Sacrifice by Finzi, the concert will include a retiring collection in aid of the Royal British Legion. With the talents of Christine Cunnold, soprano, Ross Ramgobin, baritone and The London Collective orchestra, as well as the 100-strong chorus, Songs of Peace promises to be an exceptionally stirring and moving occasion.

Early booking recommended. Tickets £23 with £5.00 concessions including for veterans and current members of the services.

Ticket price includes a complementary glass of wine or soft drink!

Audience Coach Available! Coach will depart promptly at 6.15pm from Henley-on-Thames train station car park, RG9 1AY and return at end of concert.  Tickets for the coach must be purchased in advance of travel.

Parking for The Great Hall at the adjacent White Gates Car Park is free (sat nav RG1 5AG). If coming from Henley direction along A4 take second on left after Royal Berks Hospital, Crown Place. The entrance to White Gates is then second on the left. There are 120 parking spaces and disabled bays close to The Great Hall entrance.  There is further free parking for the venue at the Acacia Road car park. Acacia Road is off Redlands Road (sat nav RG1 5EY) and is approximately 3 minutes walk from the venue through the campus.

Henley Choral Society gratefully acknowledges the support of the Vaughan Williams Foundation and Finzi Friends in the performance of this concert.

 

 

THE HENLEY BIG SING

Saturday 14th October, Henley Town Hall

 

What an absolutely amazing event this was!  Over 300 adults and children joined us to sing at the two events on the day AND you raised over £1,000 for Riverside Counselling.

First report and pictures here.

 

A selection of past concerts