Bristol Bach Choir - Brief History

A Brief Hisory of the Bristol Bach Choir

BRISTOL BACH CHOIR was the initiative in 1966 of two Bristol University colleagues, Alan Farnill (Department of Extra-Mural Studies) and Adrian Beaumont (Department of Music). They felt that although both Bath and Cheltenham had their own Bach Choirs, Bristol did not, and there was a niche for a new, smallish, expert choir, whose members would have a good sight-reading capability, and who could tackle the complexities of Baroque and modern music. The inaugural meeting was chaired by Alan Farnill, (previously conductor of the Hull Bach Choir) who played a key role in shaping the new choir’s constitution, as well as accompanying both rehearsals and performances.

The first concert (with some 36 singers) was held in Tyndale Baptist Church on 1st July 1967 under the musical direction of Adrian Beaumont, and consisted, appropriately, of two Bach motets (Komm, Jesu, komm and Lobet den Herrn), Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and Adrian’s own short choral work The Spacious Firmament on High – a challenge to any choir! This was followed in January 1968 by a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

Over the last forty years, the choir has performed 189 concerts and has developed a distinctive style and fine reputation for choral excellence. Performances ranging from baroque to contemporary (including specially commissioned works), have been staged not only in Bristol but in a total of 34 venues, including the cathedrals of Wells, Bath, Gloucester and Worcester. Remarkably during this period there have been only four conductors. Co-founder Adrian Beaumont (1967-78), was followed by Alistair Jones (1978-82) and then Glyn Jenkins (1982-1999). The current musical director, Peter Leech took over in 1999. In December 2006, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations all four conductors shared duties at the Christmas Carols and Readings concert – an historic and nostalgic occasion indeed!

Winner of the first HTV choral singing competition, the choir has toured extensively overseas, giving concerts in Spain, France, Germany Portugal, the Czech Republic and Italy. Following the success of Peter Leech’s outstanding achievement as winner of the major Fondazione Mariele Ventre choral competition held in Italy in 2003, the choir was invited to represent Britain as one of three participating choirs in the 2005 competition in Bologna. The choir has also produced a number of CDs, and recorded for both BBC and HTV.

The Choir is grateful to each of the conductors, singers (462 over 40 years), accompanists, sponsors, patrons and of course audience members for their invaluable contributions to making the Bristol Bach Choir the success it is today. We look forward to the future with great enthusiasm!