Horsley Choral Society

Introduction

Horsley Choral Society is a non-profit UK charity organization with the registration number 1092436. Founded in 1920, it is a vibrant mixed choir that welcomes members of all voice parts and abilities. The society is based in East Horsley and is known for its inclusive and friendly community.

Activities

The main activities of Horsley Choral Society include organizing and performing choral concerts. The society is a regular participant in the annual Leith Hill Music Festival, a prestigious event founded by Ralph Vaughan-Williams in 1930. The festival, held over two days at Dorking Halls in Surrey, involves competing with local choirs and culminates in a grand evening concert featuring professional soloists and an orchestra. Horsley Choral Society achieved a notable success by winning a division at the 2024 Leith Hill Music Festival.

Membership and Performances

Horsley Choral Society is composed of around sixty voices, primarily singing SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) repertoire. The choir performs a wide range of music, from classical choral works and sacred music to contemporary pieces and lighter compositions. The society does not require auditions for membership, reflecting its open and welcoming nature. This also aligns with the requirements of the Leith Hill Music Festival, in which the society actively participates.

Charity Work

In addition to its musical endeavors, Horsley Choral Society engages in charitable activities. For example, its Christmas concert raised a record amount of £1,233 for a nominated charity through a performance of Handel's Messiah.

Governance and Structure

As a charity, Horsley Choral Society operates under a structured committee and membership framework, focusing on maintaining a high standard of performance while ensuring inclusivity. Despite being non-auditioning, the society strives for excellence, as evidenced by its successes at the Leith Hill Music Festival.

[1] https://www.horsleychoralsociety.com [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1092436&subid=0 [3] https://www.horsleychoralsociety.com/dbpage.php?pg=news [4] https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/group/horsley-choral-society [5] https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/musical-vacancy/horsley-choral-society/musical-director