History

The history of the City of Coventry Male Voice Choir is as varied as its musical repertoire, having started life some 60 years ago.  The Choir originated from an amalgamation of the miners from Binley colliery joining with like-minded singers from the Coombe Social Club, forming the Binley Male Voice Choir in 1946.  The original membership numbered only 10 but the enthusiasm for singing soon attracted more and the colliery workers coming from Wales to work at Binley soon had the choir growing.

The choir went from strength to strength in the ensuing years and regularly took part in competitions and eisteddffords as well as appearing in many prestigious concerts throughout the country.

The Binley Colliery closed down many years ago now but the Choir has continued, albeit with singers now coming from more varied walks of life

In 1992, it was decided that the name of the City of Coventry should be carried by the choir to enhance its identity and an inaugural concert was held on 6 November 1992 at St Mary’s Guildhall to celebrate this change.  Now the choir officially carry the City of Coventry emblem.

In 2006, the Choir celebrated its 60^th anniversary and throughout the year held special events in recognition of this. The main focus was a concert at The John White Centre; the site of Binley Colliery entrance.  The choir also produced a commemorative CD – Solid as a Rock..

More recently, the choir .has participated in Massed Choirs concert at Rugby, and Symphony Hall, Birmingham and appeared in a number of charity fundraising events including November 2009’s very successful concert for Cancer Research UK at Stratford Civic Hall..

In 2010, we hope to produce another CD and participate in the 30^th Anniversary Wales Festival of Remembrance in St Davids Hall, Cardiff on 6^th November.  We will also continue to perform at local concerts, and raise funds for charities

Objectives

To enjoy the spirit of camaraderie with like-minded friends who enjoy live music, whilst at the same time helping to raise money for various charities.

We respond to requests to appear at concerts (a fee may be applicable).  If anyone is interested in booking the choir please contact the Secretary (details can be found on the ‘Contact Us’ page).

Present

Our Musical Director is Valerie Hocking and until December 2009 she had been ably supported by our accompanist, for the last 10 years, Sally Aitchison.  We are currently looking for a replacement accompanist.

The choir currently has 42 members and we are about to embark on a recruitment drive to attract new members.

Wives and partners come along to concerts and form a very friendly group that support the choir.

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