BARNT GREEN CHORAL WELL-POSITIONED FOR THE FUTURE

Barnt Green Choral held its Annual General Meeting on Monday 19 October 2026, and heard that a very successful year had been completed and the future looked bright.

Peter Bould, Chair of Trustees, reported that the choir has successfully changed its constitution and was now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).  This provides a strong constitution which will underpin the choir’s future growth and development.  Two new Directors have been appointed to the management board and 20 new singers had joined the choir in the last 12 months, taking the total to well over 70 voices.

Steve Cowperthwaite, Director of Music, said attendance at rehearsals has been good, and the choir did justice to a strong programme of The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins, Song of the Universal by Ola Gjeilo, and Zimbe by Alexander L’Estrange.

Looking forward he said that our current rehearsals of Verdi Requiem are encouraging, and he looked forward to the performance in the spring next year which will be the first collaboration between Barnt Green Choral and the Orchestra of St John’s.  Our summer concert – highlights from Handel’s Messiah - will also be in collaboration with the Orchestra of St John’s and St John’s Church Choir.

Isabel Hyde, Treasurer and Membership Secretary, reported that funds were healthy and would stand the choir in good stead for the coming years.  Income was strong and all three concerts were sell-outs which was helped both by publicity and the ability to buy tickets on-line in advance.

New singers who would like to join the choir are always welcome. There is no need for previous experience or be able to read music – all you need is a desire to sing. Rehearsals, in the Parish Hall in Barnt Green are held on Monday evenings during term time. If you think you would enjoy taking part, and singing some of the world's best music, then please contact us via the contact page on this website.