🎶 Celebrating 60 Glorious Years of Song with Formby Choral Society

Formby Choral Society is celebrating an incredible milestone this year – sixty years of music, friendship and harmony – and the group is sounding better than ever. Far from being a traditional or exclusive choir, Formby Choral Society is a vibrant, welcoming community of singers who share one simple passion: the joy of making music together.

Founded in 1964, the society has grown to over 100 members and continues to go from strength to strength under the expert and encouraging direction of musical director David Holroyd. Members describe the atmosphere as “collaborative, supportive and inspiring,” with every rehearsal filled with laughter, learning and a shared love of song.

One of the society’s newest members, who joined earlier this year, said: “There’s no cliquishness or old-fashioned formality here. Everyone is friendly and welcoming – even though I still struggle a bit with reading music after fifty years of trying! David doesn’t treat us like an army to be commanded – everything is discussed and agreed together. It’s wonderful.”

The choir’s performances are equally special. Their recent rendition of Bach’s St John’s Passion moved both audience and singers alike, described as “a breathtaking blend of chaos, power, tenderness and emotion.” The haunting beauty of the ‘Sleep Well’ chorus left many with goosebumps.

More recently, the group joined forces with Formby High School pupils to perform a brand-new work, Summer Song, complete with interpretive dance. The collaboration showcased the talent of both generations, followed by a joyful programme of summer-themed music ranging from the 1300s to the present day.

Also recently a major concert featuring Fauré’s Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine, and the rarely performed but uplifting Missa Pastoril by Nunes Garcia. It was a truly moving experience.

Of course, the festive season will soon follow – and with it, Formby Choral Society’s much-loved Christmas concerts and carol performances, sure to lift everyone’s spirits with both familiar favourites and a few new surprises.

As they celebrate sixty wonderful years, it’s clear that Formby Choral Society isn’t just about singing – it’s about belonging. The music really is always there with them.

If you’d like to find out more, join the choir, or attend one of their concerts, visit their website at www.formbychoralsociety.org or contact Alison, Membership Secretary, on 07903 388433.