The Choir

Marple Choral Society, formerly the Overdale Singers, was established over 30 years ago. It is made up of about 70 members, many of whom have had little or no vocal training but share a love of singing. In its weekly rehearsals the choir prepares for two or three major concerts each year, together with one or two lighter concerts such as the popular Family Carol Concert.

The list of works performed is far-ranging - from à cappella Renaissance music to twentieth century works such as Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Orff's Carmina Burana, as well as the standard choral repertoire (Handel's Messiah and the Requiem settings of Mozart and Brahms, for example).

The choir recognises the need to complement its performances with good vocal soloists, and to that end has frequently engaged singers from the excellent School of Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. In addition, local amateur and professional instrumentalists are convened to form a chamber orchestra for most concerts.

The support of such splendid supplementary musicians, coupled with the natural enthusiasm of the singers of the choir, has resulted in public acclaim for performances of an exceptionally high standard.

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, 8.00pm to 10.00pm, in Marple Methodist Church on Church Lane, Marple.