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 Luke Pickett.  Luke read Music at Cardiff and Bath Spa Universities. He has considerable experience as a freelance musician, teacher and conductor, and a senior examiner, moderator, team leader, scrutineer and standards verifier for a leading exam board, as well as a governor at a local primary school. He has worked extensively with Wiltshire Young Musicians, and acts as an advisor for Wiltshire Music Connect, the county’s Music Education Hub. As a brass player, Luke is a trombonist with Bratton Silver Band, and is also in demand to play for and conduct other local bands and orchestras.   

                                                                                                                                                                

Westbury Choral has a very talented and highly experienced rehearsal accompanist, Ed Cooke.  As an organ builder and restorer, Ed is well versed in the finer details of organs and keyboard playing.  As well as using excellent accompanists, the Society has established a fund for use of other instrumentalists where particular works require this.

 

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 £25 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.                                                     

See what our members say about us by clicking here.