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!
The choir is now an integral part of York’s musical culture, giving up to five or six concerts a year, in the Minster, the Chapter House, St Olave’s in Marygate, and other venues around Yorkshire. It has built a reputation for polished performances, bringing to life a wide range of choral music, including new commissions.
Musical Directors
- 1965 - 1982 Andrew Carter
- 1982 - 1988 Peter Young
- 1988 - 1990 Andrew Padmore
- 1990 - 2002 Jane Sturmheit
- 2002 - 2017 Stephen Williams
- 2017 - date Benjamin Morris
| Find out about Benjamin Morris Find out about our eminent past musical directors |
