Our History & About Us

Westbury Choral is a Charity affiliated to Making Music.  It was formed around 1925 and whereas the emphasis has been on classical choral works, the Society has also provided the community with a varied programme encompassing different styles.  In addition to the two main concerts each year Westbury Choral has formed links with Matravers School, The Wiltshire Council Singers, Amesbury Town Band, Bratton Silver Band, and Vallis Chamber Orchestra, as well as local professional soloists, and often performs as part of Westbury Festival.

 

The Musical Director is Matthew Bale. Matthew’s busy career as a freelance conductor, pianist and harpsichordist has involved working with numerous orchestras, including the BBC Philharmonic, City of London Sinfonia and the Chamber Orchestra of Greece. He has worked as conductor and accompanist with various international artists including Dame Evelyn Glennie, José Carreras and Dame Emma Kirkby. Matthew has been an ABRSM Examiner for nearly a decade and regularly adjudicates at festivals, competitions and workshops throughout the UK and abroad.

 

Matthew began his musical training as a chorister at Bristol Cathedral, later studying piano, composition and organ at the Royal Academy of Music. He won a place on the Academy’s advanced conductors’ course, studying with many distinguished conductors of the day, including Antal Dorati, Riccardo Muti, and John Carewe. Among his numerous prizes and scholarships include the Principal’s award for conducting an acclaimed performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and the Silver Medal in the Guildhall Piano Performance Diploma.

 

A friendly welcome is offered to all new members.  All we ask in return is that regular commitment is given to rehearsals, with a little practise at home, in order to maintain the high standard the Society achieves.  We also run social events: past events have included coffee mornings, quiz evenings, old time music halls, members music evenings, BBQs and an annual dinner.   

                                                                                                                            

Subscriptions are £100 per year, payable in full or in two instalments of £50 for the spring term and £50 for the autumn term.  Half price subscriptions are available for people in full-time education, or with children in full-time education.  Subscriptions cover the cost of the conductor, accompanist, hire of music, hire of the rehearsal venue, soloists, and publicity materials.

 

Friends of Westbury Choral can pay £30 per year to receive one free ticket and reserved seating at our Christmas and spring concerts, invitations to our social events, and their names printed in our programmes.  Contact us if you are interested in this.

 

To hear us in action and to view recently performed works please visit our Hear Us page.