‘Choral supergroup’ to perform with new choir at York Minster

Choral supergroup The King’s Singers will join York’s Chapter House Choir in a sparkling Bonfire Night concert at York Minster.

A highlight of the evening, celebrating the launch of the new Chapter House Youth Choir, will be the world premiere of a new choral piece by singer/composer Roderick Williams, which interweaves bespoke vocal lines for all three choirs.

The concert will mark the first performance by the new Youth Choir. It has been formed to inspire the next generation of choral singers and features young people aged 13 to 18 from across Yorkshire under the leadership of young choral director Charlie Gower-Smith, who lives in Ripon.

Supreme virtuosity

Double Grammy award-winning The King’s Singers will join the two Chapter House Choirs to display their supreme virtuosity and immaculate vocal blend in the breathtaking setting of York Minster.

The King’s Singers are renowned worldwide for their flawless intonation and timing and invariably perform to capacity audiences. Their wit, energy, charm and entertaining performances mean they are adored across the globe; they group was recently voted into the Gramophone Hall of Fame.

The Chapter House Choir has just celebrated its 50th birthday, and has delighted audiences over the years with its eclectic mixture of a cappella and accompanied choral music from across the centuries and around the globe.

Formed in 1965 to raise funds for the York Minster Appeal, the Choir has built up a reputation as one of the North of England’s foremost amateur chamber choirs. Its Carols by Candlelight concerts at Christmas regularly sell out and have become an essential part of many people’s Christmas celebrations.

Leading director

Its MD is Stephen Williams, one of the country’s leading choral trainers and directors. Stephen has conducted the choir since 2004 and under his inspirational leadership it has reached new heights of excellence.

The choir regularly commissions new music – recent commissions include Song Cycle: Vive la vélorution by Alexander L’Estrange for the Tour de France in Yorkshire in 2014 and Arcadia by Judith Bingham to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, as well as pieces by Gabriel Jackson, Bob Chilcott and Paul Mottram.

It premiered a new Christmas carol, Benedicamus Domino, by its founder conductor Andrew Carter last year to mark the 50th anniversary.