Wigton Choral Society

The choir currently has about 55 mixed voices and a repertoire which includes both religious and secular music from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The choir gives two major concerts a year, in December and June, usually at St Mary’s Church, Wigton, and other performances, including Evensong, around the county from time to time. Wigton Choral Society also forms a significant part of Cumbria Rural Choirs, who aim to perform a large-scale choral work each spring with professional orchestra, soloists and conductor.

The society was founded in 1950, originally with the twin aims of taking part in the Cumberland Rural Choirs Festival (later to become Cumbria Rural Choirs) and entering music competitions. They certainly had early success in this latter aim, winning two cups in the Carlisle Music Festival the following year, but it was not until 1977, encouraged by Hugh Davies, who took over as Musical Director, that the choir embarked on its first independent venture: a concert of Christmas music at St. Mary's Church, Wigton.

Society members come from a wide area of north Cumbria, and new members are always welcome. Singing in a choir is a wonderful opportunity to have voice training, learn some of the gems of the choral repertoire, take part in quality performances – and make new friends. Singing also helps your breathing, your stress levels and your health, so if you read music and enjoy singing, bring your voice along and give it a go!

Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Wigton Methodist Church, and membership is free for people under 25 in full time education.