Westbury Choral was formed in 1925 and in celebration of its Centenary in 2025, a new work 'Their Voices Rose' was commissioned from the internationally renowned composer Malcolm Archer. The choir performs a varied programme of works ranging from the great choral materpieces to lighter contemporary styles.  In addition to two main concerts each year Westbury Choral has formed links with many local groups including, Bratton Silver Band, Vallis Chamber Orchestra, as well as local professional soloists, and particiipates in the Westbury Festival.

 

Luke Pickett conducted Westbury Choral for the past 14 years and in September 2025, Matthew Bale takes over as Musical Director. 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.

 

                                                                                                                       

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.