We are trying to find out as much as we can about our audiences – to target our publicity and attract more concert-goers! Before our concert in Ashwell on 6th April, we distributed survey cards with very four simple questions. Despite someone saying “oh no, not another feedback request – I’m overwhelmed by them!” we had a fantastic 48 responses (of an estimated audience of 140). This is what we learned…

Andrew O'Brien joined Royston Choral Society as Musical Director in September 2015 making no concessions in his choice of concert content, to this being an unauditioned community choir. In his first year with the RCS the choir successfully tackled Brahms’ A German Requiem and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. In 2016 Andrew became Director of Music at Haileybury School.

Review of St John's Passion by J.S.Bach, Ashwell Church
6th April 2019

This beautiful piece of work was undertaken by Royston Choral Society and Haileybury Choral Society. In the first part we commenced with the choir giving an accomplished opening singing in the original German text. The singing and diction was clear and built up the excitement of the opening piece with hushed tones when required and strong crescendos.

Royston Choral Society put on a festive treat for their Christmas concert.

In November 2018, in collaboration with Haileybury College Choirs, and Hertfordshire Phiharmonia the choral society performed Britten's War Requiem to a sell-out audience. This picture is from the performance showing the performers. A recording of part of the performance is here

Other photographs include:

The society performed to a very appreciative audience in Barkway Parish Church for their last concert of the 2017-18 season.

The choir sang John Rutter's "The Sprig of Thyme" as well as Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music". Lighter items included a couple of spirituals arranged by Ken Burton and "The Seal Lullaby" by Eric Whitacre. We were joined by Alistair Watson on the piano, who also contributed "Toccata in D" by Bach - a wonderful virtuosic display, and the very talented Edward Davies, a student at Haileybury College, who performed Vivaldi's guitar concert in D.

In the run up to Valentine's Day, we asked five couples who sing together in the choir about their shared love of music and the role it has played in their relationships.

Royston was once again treated to a fine performance of J.S. Bach’s ‘Christmas Oratorio’ at St John’s Parish Church.
Bach composed this masterpiece, comprised of six parts, to be played over six days during the Christmas season in 1734 and into the New Year.
This concert consisted of four sections of the ‘Christmas Oratorio’, performed in one evening and sung in German, (we were given the words in German and English in the programme which was very helpful).
What an amazing feat of organization and dedication!
The performers assembled consisted of:

On a perfect English June evening at Holy Trinity Church in the village of Chrishall, set amid the fields, a concert was waiting to take place.
Royston & District Choral Society and Haileybury School musicians treated their audience to a fine selection of works. The audience took their seats and with the summer sun glistening through the church window forming a backdrop to the choir. The scene was set.

The large audience at the ancient church of St Mary’s, Standon were taken on a reflective and emotional journey during the RCS Spring Concert. Conductor Andrew O’Brien showed his deep understanding of English choral music and through his inspiring direction coaxed the most exquisite dynamic contrasts from both the choir and the Haileybury Consort.