Chapter House Candles black background banner

Choir History

The Chapter House Arts Society, as the choir was originally called, met for its first rehearsal on 16 October 1965.  Three friends who were associated with York Minster conceived the idea, wanting to help raise money for the Minster as it entered a phase of urgent restoration work.  They also wanted to make use of the Chapter House which, at that time, was closed to the general public. The original performers comprised Minster Songmen, Clergy, their wives, local teachers and friends.  Their first concert for the Minster appeal was on 18 December 1965 and was given in the Chapter House by candlelight, using borrowed candlesticks.  The programme consisted of carols, harpsichord pieces and carols played on an antique set of handbells, owned and expertly played by the choir’s founder Director, Andrew Carter.  A capacity audience set the pattern of success for the future.

The concerts continued in line with the original concept in subsequent years and in 1967 the choir name was changed to the Chapter House Singers and later to the Chapter House Choir.  With the exception of substituting organ for harpsichord, the format remains the same to the present day.  For many years the carol concerts were broadcast to a wider audience every Christmas Eve by BBC Radio.  Tickets are much sought after, and before the arrival of the internet used to involve getting up very early to join a long queue!

Since its formation in 1965, the Choir has become an integral part of York’s musical culture, especially through the annual Carols by Candlelight concerts. 

50th anniversary cake

Stephen Williams, Jane Sturmheit and Andrew Carter blow out the candles on the 50th Anniversary Cake, June 2016

Musical Directors

1965-1982Andrew Carter
1982-1988Peter Young
1988-1990Andrew Padmore
1990-2002Jane Sturmheit
2002-2017Stephen Williams
2017-Benjamin Morris

Past Programmes

with Musical Director Benjamin Morris – 2017 to date