The City of Leicester Singers
Conductor: Richard Archer
BA, MusB, MMus, MPhil, FRCO(CHM), ADCM, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM
Accompanist: John Pye
LRAM
The City of Leicester Singers is a well-established choral society which has been singing in the city since 1963. We celebrated our Golden Anniversary in 2014. We are a friendly choir, whose members enjoy meeting to make music together. With some 60 members, we enjoy wide range of music under the leadership of our conductor, Richard Archer, ranging from traditional choral music to excerpts from modern musicals.
Over recent years we have introduced the city to the work of contemporary composers, singing Chilcott’s Requiem in 2011, and giving the first performance in the East Midlands of Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater in 2013 and more recently Karl Jenkins’ Stabat Mater.
The Singers
The choir is about 60 strong. New voices are always welcome. There are no auditions and all we ask is a pleasing voice, a good ear, and most importantly enthusiasm and commitment.
Prospective new members are invited to attend four rehearsals before committing themselves to join.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held each Monday from 7.15 to 9.15 p.m. at Christchurch, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester LE2 3AH.
There is normally a Saturday morning workshop rehearsal leading up to each concert and a 'dress' rehearsal in the afternoon before each concert.
Concerts
Concerts take place on Saturday evenings and are normally performed at St James the Greater Church London Rd. Leicester, a popular venue for many other local choirs.
Concert attire is DJs and black or coloured bow tie for gentlemen and for the ladies black ankle length skirts or trousers, black blouses (purchased through the choir) with coloured scarves. Bow ties and scarves are provided by the choir.
Click here to hear our performance of Karl Jenkins Stabat Mater featuring Rozanna Madylus: Mezzo-soprano, David Cowen: Organ, Emily Turfus: Piano and Hari Trivedi on the tabla. Performed on 1st April 2017 at St James The Greater, Leicester.
History
The City of Leicester Singers (COLS) began life as a Teachers' Choir in 1963. Due to the consequences of the local government reorganisation in 1977 it decided to continue as an independent open choir under the name of The City of Leicester Singers, providing its own constitution and responsible for its own funding.
The choir is administered and managed by its Management Committee, including three Trustees who are elected at each A.G.M.
Now comprising members from many walks of life, COLS is still in fine voice and continues to thrive under its conductor, Richard Archer.
Programme
The choir's singing year is from September to June during which three major concerts are performed, including a Christmas Concert which supports local charities. In addition, we support the musical life of the city and county at various events throughout the year, including the annual Remembrance Day event.
Whilst the choral repertoire is traditionally based, it also includes many other styles designed to provide different opportunities and challenges. Our concerts often involve professional soloists, brass bands and orchestras.
We particularly like to encourage young musicians and singers.
Friends of COLS
There is an opportunity for anyone who would like to support the choir, other than as a singing member, to become a 'Friend of COLS '.
Friends receive complimentary tickets for each concert and are invited to various social occasions.