• Member of “Making Music”: National Federation of Music Societies
• Registered Charity: No. 502350
• SATB (sight-reading not essential)
• Music we sing: Bach to Beatles; Requiems to Rutter; “Cantique de Jean Racine” to “Cowboy Carol”
• Available for hire: fund-raising; weddings; carols; concerts (we are currently not charging for fund-raising events for charities)

Our term dates

A brief history of York Rose Singers

Fred Bradury was the Honourable Secretary of the British Federation of Brass Bands and an avid music lover. In 1969 he had a dream of bringing together the many choirs and musical societies in York to form a large choir which would be capable of making music good enough to help in celebrating York’s Centenary year in 1971. As a result of a lot of hard work on his part and with the support of York City Council and the Festival Committee, his dream came true. A stalwart in the art of conducting choirs, namely John Warburton, was appointed Musical Director and under his guidance, the newly formed ‘Celebrations Choir’ was able to reach a high standard.

In November 1970 the public of York was able to judge for themselves the quality of the choir, when a performance with Brass bands in York Minster resulted in concert bookings for 1971.

During York’s Centenary Year the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Celebrations Choir performed “Verdi Requiem” in York Minster and the Royal Festival Hall in London under the baton of Anton Dorati.

The choir made regular appearances on the Yorkshire Television Programme: “Stars on Sunday”; there were several recording contracts and this was followed by a Summer Season Stage version of “Stars on Sunday” at the Futurist Theatre in Scarborough.

1972: The Celebrations Choir was the chief supporting feature at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. This took place in the Albert Hall, London.

1973: There was a joint concert with the Black Dyke Mills Band in the Albert Hall to celebrate our entry into the Common Market.

Between 1973 and 1975 there were several concerts of major works with several renowned orchestras, conductors and soloists.

In both 1976 and 1980, the choir took part in the York Cycle of Mystery Plays in the Museum Gardens.

1977: Celebrations Choir took part in celebrating the Queen’s Silver Jubilee by performing Vaughan Williams’ “Sea Symphony” in York Minster.

Celebrations choir took part in the Annual Carol Concert for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund on a regular basis.

On the 9th June 1986 the choir, which now numbered about 50 members, was re-named ‘York Rose Singers’

1990: Sang ‘Faure Requiem’ and raised £400 for the Lord Mayor’s charity. The choir also sang at the Sheriff’s Mass at English Martyrs’ Church and went to the Mansion House for a Reception.

1990-2004: During this time the choir has enjoyed singing many varied types of music, ranging from sacred works such as ‘Pergolesi Magnificat’, ‘Cherubini Requiem’ and ‘Dvorak Te Deum’ to a concert version of ‘Merrie England’, ‘Hiawatha’. ‘Songs from the Shows’ and other “light” concerts, often for charity (e.g. raising funds for a local teacher who went to Africa to teach; raising money for resources for ‘Park Grove’ School after the fire in 1998) as well as carol concerts at different venues around the city. Regular concerts have taken place at ‘Hartrigg Oaks’, ‘Red Lodge’, ‘Our Lady’s’ Church and ‘Heworth Community Centre’.

Michael Weeks is currently our Acting Musical Director.

In October 2005 we raised money for S.N.A.P.P.Y. with a concert at Our Lady’s Church, Acomb. This was part of the church’s Jubilee Celebrations.

In January 2006 we sang at a National Trust Luncheon in Tadcaster. We have been asked to return there next year for their Christmas Celebrations.

All through the years, concerts have been performed near and far for charitable causes led by dedicated Musical Directors, who were instrumental in keeping the choir vibrant. Although smaller in number, it has the same aims and aspirations to perform to a high standard.

Newcomers will be made welcome and find rehearsals are held in a warm and friendly atmosphere under Malcolm’s direction.

The choir is currently recruiting for new members; we are a friendly bunch and would make new recruits very welcome.