Newcastle Choral Society was founded in 1954. It has benefitted from the support of several local businesses and grant funders who have enabled us to perform major concerts. Michael Chaplin, acclaimed writer for television, radio and theatre, became Choir President in 2023. Further info in the Sponsorship and Friends sections
Membership is drawn from across the North East, with around 60 regular singers. We generally perform three major concerts each year from a repertoire that ranges from more traditional major works of sacred music to modern choral pieces in a variety of venues. The Past performances section has details.
Musical Director, Mark Anyan, joined NCS in 2007. Mark is a professional tenor soloist and works extensively with youth choirs in this region and nationally. He is general manager of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain and is a passionate advocate for music education and creating and supporting music opportunities for young people,
recently becoming a Trustee of Durham Music Trust. The choir is benefitting not only from his energetic vocal techniques, but is also enjoying new associations with young singers in both local choirs and up and coming professional soloists though Mark’s own professional network.
Accompanist Nicholas Butters, appointed at the beginning of the 21/22 season, also assists with warm-ups and sectionals. He also has an active career as ensemble tutor, repertoire lecturer, accompanist at the Centre for Advanced Training, The Glasshouse Gateshead (Formerly Sage)
We returned to Hall One Sage Gateshead on 29th November 2014 for our Diamond Jubilee concert. Coinciding with the Centenary Year of WW1, we performed Karl Jenkins ‘Armed Man’ in collaboration with members of Mid Northumberland Chorus, Tees Valley Youth Choir and local members of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. We commissioned a new choral work: ‘The Dream of the River’, from nationally recognised, local born composer Will Todd, which was premiered at the same concert. The concert and commission were supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council. www.artscouncil.org.uk
In 2022 we collaborated with the Hertfordshire Chorus at Sage Gateshead in a blockbuster Sea Symphony and Codebreaker concert. Codebreaker was commissioned by Herts Chorus and tells the story of Alan Turing, a very powerful piece.
New members are always welcome. Members will be expected to have previous singing experience and a reasonable level of musicianship (basic awareness of reading music and/or a good ear for learning and retaining music.) There are many good singers who can’t read music but that should not be a block to joining. A good level of musicianship will ensure a good rehearsal pace. So if you are interested in singing a wide variety of music in a large choir under expert, friendly and fun direction come and give us a try enquiries@newcastlechoralsociety.org.uk