CBB Chorus

CBB Chorus. The CBB Chorus is a distinguished amateur choral society based in the United Kingdom, renowned for its performances of major oratorios and large-scale choral works. Founded in the mid-20th century, it has established a significant reputation within the British amateur choral tradition, regularly collaborating with professional orchestras and soloists. The chorus is committed to both preserving the core canonical repertoire and exploring contemporary compositions.

History

The ensemble was formed in 1960 by a group of enthusiasts in London, initially performing under the direction of conductor John Alldis. Its early years were marked by performances at notable venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and participation in the City of London Festival. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, under the leadership of David Willcocks and later Stephen Cleobury, the chorus expanded its activities, undertaking concert tours to countries including France, Germany, and the United States. A significant milestone was its acclaimed performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem at Westminster Abbey in 1985, which was broadcast by the BBC. The chorus has maintained a long-standing partnership with the CBB Symphony Orchestra, and its administrative home has been the St. John's Smith Square arts centre since 1992.

Repertoire and performances

The core repertoire focuses on the great choral works of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras, including masterpieces by Handel, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. The chorus is particularly noted for its annual performances of Handel’s Messiah and Mendelssohn's Elijah. It has also championed 20th and 21st century works, giving premieres of pieces by composers such as John Tavener, James MacMillan, and Judith Weir. Regular performance venues have included the Barbican Centre, Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, and Snape Maltings during the Aldeburgh Festival.

Notable members

While an amateur ensemble, the chorus has included several individuals who have achieved distinction in other fields. Early member Richard Baker became a renowned broadcaster for the BBC, while John Shirley-Quirk, who sang with the chorus in its formative years, later enjoyed an international career as an operatic bass-baritone. Scientist and author Lewis Wolpert was a long-serving tenor, and former chairman Timothy Walker later became the Chief Executive of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The chorus's conductors and musical directors have included prominent figures such as Simon Halsey and Harry Christophers.

Discography

The chorus has released a number of recordings, primarily in collaboration with the CBB Symphony Orchestra. Its first commercial recording was a 1978 release of Fauré's Requiem on the EMI label. A critically acclaimed recording of Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony followed in 1987 for Hyperion Records. In the 1990s, it recorded Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius under the Chandos Records label. More recent digital releases include an album of choral evensong live from St. Paul's Cathedral and a collection of Christmas carols featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Cultural impact

The CBB Chorus has played a substantive role in sustaining the vibrant tradition of amateur choral singing in the UK. Its educational outreach programs, often held in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, have inspired numerous young singers. The chorus's performances have been featured in television productions by ITV and documentaries about British musical life. It is regularly cited as a model society in publications by the National Federation of Music Societies, and its commitment to accessibility has seen it perform benefit concerts for charities such as Shelter and the National Health Service charities.

Category:British choirs Category:Musical groups established in 1960 Category:Amateur musical groups