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Derby Choral Union was established back in 1866 to perform classical choral music of the highest quality, a tradition it maintains to this day.
 145 years on, it is recognised as one of the foremost choirs in the East Midlands performing at least three concerts each year, mainly in Derby Cathedral (left).
Since 2004, we've enjoyed four successful overseas tours, sung Evensong at Merton College, Oxford and given concerts in Wirksworth, Alstonefield and Tideswell in the Peak District and have also sung in joint concerts with the Leicester Philharmonic Choir in the De Montford Hall, Leicester.
Our repertoire contains an extensive and exciting range of music from the traditional choral works to music by 20th century and more contemporary composers. (Read more about the music we sing.)
There are currently over 100 singing members with an age range from young to not so young! But we always welcome new singers - if you're interested in joining, why not get in touch and give us a try?
For singers aged 25 and under, we offer choral scholarships.
| Here are some extracts from the reviews after recent concerts: |
"Derby Choral Union’s way with Handel’s Messiah has been honed over the years into something fresh and alert. Right from the crisp account of the opening Sinfony, their latest performance maintained that track record."
Christmas concert 2011. |
"Under conductor Richard Dacey, Derby Choral Union rose magnificently to the occasion, with punchy, energetic singing that carried complete conviction in what, for some, was no doubt an unfamiliar idiom."
Jazz choral concert, 2011. |
"Derby Choral Union’s taut, pacy account of Mozart’s Requiem was impressive testimony to their continually rising standards."
Autumn concert 2010. |
"The big moments, like the openings of the Gloria and Credo, were full of confidence, and the choir also projected the quiet intensity of the more intimate passages effectively."
Petite Messe Solennelle concert - Spring 2010. |
"Above all, though, it was the pace and energy of the choir’s performance that impressed. Without seeming in anyway rushed, the whole thing appeared to go by in a flash."
Creation concert - Spring 2009. |
The choir singing Vivaldi's Gloria in Derby Cathedral November 2009 with Richard Dacey (Musical Director) conducting.
Click to enlarge. |
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 Richard Dacey has been Musical Director since 2003, and inspired the choir to sing of their best, both at home and on tour abroad.
"As a singer I have been involved in choral music all my life; as a teacher, I am committed to instilling a love of singing in young and old alike".
 Dame Emma Kirkby, the internation-ally acclaimed soprano, has been our Patron since 1993. Her Patron’s concerts are always highlights in our concert calendar (read the review of her last Patron's concert).
"...the wonderful Derby Choral Union - one of Britain's longest established groups and still very healthy today, and of which I'm proud to be a Patron".
See
news item re. Emma's Forthcoming Award of the Queen's Medal for Music.
We have a most supportive audience as well as a nucleus of Friends of Derby Choral Union.
| If you would like to receive regular updates about Derby Choral Union concerts
and activities,
or become a Friend, why not contact us. |
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Derby Cathedral where the choir normally performs
| Why not enjoy listening to some samples of the choir singing at recent concerts? |
Interesting fact....
The Mendelssohn Glee Club of New York City, also founded in 1866, is the oldest glee club not associated with a university in the United States. An early men's glee club that travelled up and down the eastern seaboard of the United States, it helped to popularize classical music before symphony orchestras were widespread. |
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| We look forward to seeing you at our next performance! |
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