Otley Choral Society
Sharing the love of singing since 1943
Join Us
We are warmly inviting new members to join the Otley Choral Society and experience the joy of singing choral music for the next 2023-24 season.
We are a four-part choir with around eighty members, drawn from Otley and the surrounding area. We combine with the Ilkley Choral Society for performing in concerts under our excellent conductor Alex Kyle.
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Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings between 7pm and 9pm at Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Farnley Lane, Otley LS21 2BB. There is ample parking available, and level access can be arranged if this is necessary.
Meet the Team
Musical Director
Alexander Kyle
Alex was appointed as Musical Director of Otley Choral Society and their sister choral society in Ilkley since January 2024 and is a conductor, singer and singing teacher based in Leeds. From 2013-22 he was a Choral Director for Diocese of Leeds Music, in which post he conducted Bradford Catholic Youth Choir in prestigious venues such as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, and on national BBC television (BBC 1) and Radio (Radio 3 and 4). Alex is in demand as a solo singer and workshop leader, and has run music workshops for York Early Music Festival and Harrogate International Youth Festival among others.
Alex has recently been awarded a Masters degree with Distinction in Solo Voice Ensemble Singing from the University of York, where he studied with Robert Hollingworth (Director, I Fagiolini) and Alex Ashworth (Teacher, Royal Academy of Music; Singer, Monteverdi Choir). He currently directs Vocalis Chamber Choir and has a long association with the Fisher Singers, whose spring concerts with orchestra he has guest conducted since 2017.
Accompanist
Robin Cook
Robin hails from Watford, in Hertfordshire. He began playing the piano at the age of eight. Six years later, he took up the clarinet, achieving a pass with distinction in the Associated Board Grade 8 exam within twenty months of beginning his studies.
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His formal musical training began at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, later moving on to the Royal Academy of Music, graduating in 1976 with an A.R.C.M. diploma and a G.R.S.M. degree. This was followed by a year at the Institute of Education at London University to qualify as a teacher.
Trustees
Bach's
St John Passion
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Saturday 9th March 2024
Experience the sublime beauty and profound emotion of J. S. Bach's St John Passion in our upcoming choral performance. Composed in the early 18th century, this masterpiece is a powerful and contemplative representation of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John. Bach's intricate choral and orchestral writing weaves a tapestry of rich harmonies, poignant melodies, and dramatic contrasts, drawing listeners into the heart of the Christian narrative.
The St John Passion is a work of unparalleled depth and complexity, showcasing Bach's genius in combining sacred text with musical expression. The choir, soloists, and orchestra collaborate to bring the biblical narrative to life, capturing the intensity of Christ's final hours through a breathtaking fusion of vocal prowess and instrumental virtuosity. Immerse yourself in the captivating interplay of voices and instruments as we breathe life into this iconic masterpiece, allowing its timeless message to resonate with audiences anew.
Tickets are available to purchase at Brown's Art Gallery, Otley, at Grove Bookshop, Ilkley, via email to priscillawellscole@gmail.com or from a choir member.
