Harmonia Chamber Choir

Harmonia are a chamber choir based in Bridgwater, Somerset. We are the newest version of the Bridgwater Choral Society which was founded in 1949 and are proud to continue the heritage of singing great music in Bridgwater and surrounding area.

The Bridgwater Choral Society has been at the heart of cultural life in Bridgwater since it was re-formed in 1949 by conductor Rex Browning, with the aim of providing music of quality from the classical choral repertoire in the town and district. Early performances were in the Arts Centre and Town Hall, later moving to the fine parish church of St Mary’s.  

The Society has been fortunate to have been led by three outstanding conductors - Rex Browning, William Llewellyn, and Iain Cooper.   

The Society was due to celebrate its 70th Anniversary when the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic caused rehearsals and concerts to cease, subsequently many choir members were unfortunately unable to return to rehearsals and in 2021 a further blow was dealt by the sudden resignation of conductor Iain Cooper.

Following the resignation of Iain Cooper the future of the Society looked bleak.  However, a dedicated group of BCS singers did not wish to see the choir fold, and resolved to try to keep the choir going in some form.

The first opportunity to sing again came in the Autumn term 2021 with participation in the Civic Carol Service in St Mary's Church, Bridgwater.  The conventional 4 part singing of the Choral Society was not possible due to lack of numbers, but a programme of carols and arrangements from across the ages and around the world were extremely well received and made for an enjoyable event.

As rehearsals resumed in January it was decided to name this new group from within the Choral Society as Harmonia Chamber Choir. 

It was felt this better reflected the smaller size of the choir which was unable to sing the major choral works which might be expected of a choral society.

We have grown to a full 4 part choir again with an excellent balance, being fortunate to have a number of quality tenors and basses to match our experienced sopranos and altos. We are once again able to venture into the choral repertoire tackling pieces from Handel to Rutter. We are committed to the continuation of choral singing in the town and offering the opportunity for singers within our community to join our very friendly and sociable group.

Forthcoming Event:

Our next concerts are scheduled for Wednesday 11th December 2024 at St. Mary's Cannington starting 7pm and Saturday 14th December 2024 at Nether Stowey Church Hall at 3pm. Full details of Programme and ticket information will be posted in due course.