The City of Leicester Singers

Conductor: Richard Archer BA, MusB, MMus, MPhil, FRCO(CHM), ADCM, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM
Accompanist: Geoffrey Clark ARCO

History

THE CITY OF LEICESTER SINGERS ( COLS ) began life as a Teachers' Choir in 1963. Due to the consequences of the local government reorganisation in 1977 it decided to continue as an independent open choir under the name of The City of Leicester Singers, providing its own constitution and responsible for its own funding. The choir is administered and managed by its Management Committee , including three Trustees who are elected at each A.G.M.

Today COLS is still in fine voice and continues to thrive under its conductor, Richard Archer

COLS is affiliated to Making Music and is a registered charity. (registered Charity No 518215)

Singing Programme

The choir's singing year is from September to June during which four major concerts are performed. Whilst the choral repertoire is traditionally oratorio based, it also includes many other styles designed to provide different opportunities and challenges. As someone once said from Beethoven to Beatles. Our concerts have involved professional singers and orchestras, brass bands and talented actors according to the requirements of the very varied repertoire and we particularly like to encourage young musicians and singers.

The Singers

The choir is about 60 strong. New voices are always welcome. There are no auditions and all we ask is a pleasing voice, a good ear, and most importantly enthusiasm and commitment. Prospective new members are invited to attend four rehearsals before committing themselves to join.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held each Monday from 7.15 to 9.15 p.m. at Clarendon Park Congregational Church hall, just inside Springfield Road at its junction with London Road, Leicester. There is normally a Saturday morning workshop rehearsal leading up to each concert and a 'dress' rehearsal in the afternoon before each concert.

Concerts

Concerts take place on Saturday evenings and are normally performed at St James the Greater Church London Rd. Leicester, a popular venue for many other local choirs.

Concert attire is DJs and turquoise bow tie (provided by the choir) for gentlemen and for the ladies black ankle length skirts or trousers, black blouses (purchased through the choir) with turquoise scarves (provided by the choir).

Friends of COLS

There is an opportunity for anyone who would like to support the choir, other than as a singing member, to become a 'Friend of COLS '. For either a double or single annual subscription Friends receive tickets for each concert, at a discounted rate compared to full ticket prices, and are invited to various social occasions.