About Us: The Leeds Festival Chorus is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has 170 singing members in soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections. Presenting classical choral music of a professional standard in Yorkshire and elsewhere in Britain, including at th... moreThe Leeds Festival Chorus is based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has 170 singing members in soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections. Presenting classical choral music of a professional standard in Yorkshire and elsewhere in Britain, including at the BBC Proms and Manchester Arena, the Chorus is broadcast regularly on BBC Radio 3.
The Leeds Festival Chorus was first formed in 1858 (the year Queen Victoria opened the Leeds Town Hall) to sing at the first Leeds Musical Festival, and was reformed for each succeeding one. The Chorus became independent in 1985. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008 with a performance of a specially-commissioned work by Judith Bingham - a world premiere. It has been conducted by many distinguished maestri in its long history, including Arthur Sullivan, Thomas Beecham, John Barbirolli, Carlo Maria Giulini, Jascha Horenstein, Hans Richter, Pierre Boulez, Charles Mackerras, Colin Davis, John Eliot Gardiner, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Mark Elder, Roger Norrington, John Lubbock and Andrew Davis.
Simon Wright is the Conductor and Artistic Adviser. He was born in Sunderland and educated at Chetham's School and the Royal Manchester College of Music. As a teenager he often worked with Sir John Barbirolli as an accompanist of the Hallé Choir. He has conducted many orchestral and choral premières and worked with most of the major orchestras in the UK. less
Location: West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds LS16 5BE, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom [map]
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