About the Choir

Conchord Singers were founded in 1986 by members of Southampton CND who enjoyed singing, and began giving occasional concerts, led jointly by Rita March and Rita Leighton. The idea evolved to have fun and to raise money for various good causes.

Our original name was Concord Singers (without the 'h'), devised by Rita March to include the letters CND. Eventually the choir was permanently constituted under Donald Hughes, who established links with the international organisation 'Sing for Pleasure'. At this time we revised our name to Conchord Singers.

Over the years we expanded our repertoire to include more ambitious works as our abilities grew, and now under the baton of Craig Lawton we sing a wide selection of music including folk songs, other part songs, classic popular songs and longer complete classical works. We give at least two local concerts a year, one in February and one in May or June.

We sing in aid of charities promoting peace and humanitarian aid, often seeking out smaller causes that do important work but may receive less attention

We also now have a tradition of presenting a short reflection on Justice and peace on the Saturday afternoon closest to November 11th. This comprises spoken reflections and appropriate songs which we feel will complement the traditional remembrance day events.

Our history

Rehearsals

We rehearse every Tuesday during term time from 7.30 to 9.30 pm with a break for tea/coffee midway. We meet at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College music department, Hill Lane, SO15 5RL.

Our French exchange

We have links with two French choirs, both in Normandy, Double Croche et Contrepoint de Saint Andre de L'Eure, and Mezza Voce de Nonancourt et Vallee de l'Avre. In May we give a joint concert, either in France or Southampton, on a three yearly cycle with one fallow year, staying with French choir members or hosting them in England. Over the years we have made many friends (and perhaps improved our French!)