Preston Cecilian Choral Society is a professionally led amateur choir performing several concerts a year in venues in and around the city of Preston in north-west England. Our repertoire ranges from choral society favourites such as Messiah to lighter arrangements of jazz standards and folk songs, and everything in between.
We are a professionally led large, amateur, friendly and sociable choir and many life long friendships have been forged through our love of music. Our members range from students up to retirement age and beyond.
We perform three concerts a year in and around the city of Preston. We enjoy performing a wide variety of music including choral, folk, jazz and anything in between.
We are always keen to hear from new committed singers. If you are interested in joining us why not come along to one of two of our rehearsals. We rehearse every Monday evening at St Augustines School, Charlotte Street entrance, Avenham, Preston, PR1 3YJ from 7.30 to 9.30. Rehearsals start in September and end in June following our summer concert.
We typically perform three major concerts per year, with occasional other smaller concerts or workshops. Concerts usually take place on Saturdays with a rehearsal in the afternoon. Thanks to the enthusiasm and vision of our musical director Robert Brooks we often engage professional soloists and instrumentalists for our concerts which gives us the opportunity to undertake more a challenging repertoire, we also encourage members to take on solo roles.
For rehearsing at home many of our members use the rehearsal resources at johnfletchermusic.org
My memorable event was singing 'My love is like a red red rose' in Recklinghausen when we sang with a choir and hosting people from their choir also singing Verdi’s Requiem.
Edwina (Soprano) - Member for 27 years
Singing my first concert Haydn’s Creation it was my first experience of a large choral society and I was very impressed by the professionalism of the whole event. Also, that of the 90th Anniversary celebration of our choir. Being a Cecilian is so enjoyable because I love to sing with others and through the Society, I meet like-minded people.
Dorothy (Alto)
I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn and perform some great choral works, the free singing lessons we get each week from our director Robert and listening to the musical talents of Graham our accompanist. From the first day of rehearsals of a new choral work to the evening of the concert is an enjoyable musical journey shared with like- minded people. Plus, we get a free ticket to an evening of high- quality music often with professional soloists.
Yvonne (Soprano) - Member since 2012
I have really enjoyed finding my voice again after a long musical pause. There is a genuine delight in being part of a much bigger ‘body’ which produces a wide variety of music. Although I have only taken part in a small number of concerts due to travel commitments, the rehearsals provide a way to explore the music with a depth I would not otherwise have found.
Helen (Soprano)
I joined the choir 40 years ago when I was very young! It has been an integral part of my life since, giving me great pleasure in making music with others and many special friendships.
Alison (Soprano)