The Choir

LBC is one of Leicester’s best-loved institutions. Its balanced group of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses have performed choral concerts at home and abroad for 96 years.

The 50-strong choir has built up a fine reputation for performing difficult pieces well. Under the guidance of brilliant Music Director Richard Laing critics say “LBC has become an exceptional musical ensemble.”

Last season an audience member wrote: “The Leicester Bach Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah on 9 December was a triumph – combining passion, intensity, pace and an exquisite interplay of voices within the choir and with the excellent soloists. It provoked a deserved and extended standing ovation from a full hall. This is an excellent choir at the peak of its powers.”

Former Choir Chair Jennifer Clegg said: “Today the Choir performs a wide range of both sacred and secular work from the Renaissance to the contemporary.” “Through Richard’s rich and deep network of connections we are able to attract first-rate professional soloists and instrumentalists.” “The connecting thread between the music we select is vitality and relevance. LBC enjoys singing Bach as much as audiences love to hear it. We enable Leicester audiences to join re-evaluations of various composers during significant anniversary years, by performing their key works.”

“We also fulfil our charitable purpose, of educating the public, by judicious introduction of new and less well-known works and by innovations in performance practice.” She added: “We welcome singers to join us who enjoy a wide range of music and are prepared to work hard.”

LBC holds singing workshops for members with experienced and respected vocal trainers from time to time, enjoyable sessions which help us to know one another better and develop our technique and musicianship. LBC also has relationships with European choirs, which have resulted in exchange visits and choir trips including Bach’s birthplace in Eisenach, Germany.

LBC usually gives three concerts each year on Saturdays in November, before Easter, and in June. LBC’s home is St James the Greater Church, 216 London Road in Leicester, where it rehearses on Wednesday evenings. LBC also holds popular Come & Sing events such as the recent Puccini’s Gloria and Highlights from Verdi’s Requiem held at English Martyr’s School (Leicester).

LBC is a registered charity, funded mainly by members’ subscriptions and ticket sales.

We have benefited from sponsorship for individual concerts and events from the Florence Turner Trust, the Edith Murphy Trust, the J Reginald Corah Foundation Fund, and from the Helen Jean Cope Charity.

We thank them for their generosity, and are always delighted to hear from individuals or organisations that are willing to help the arts with such support. If you wish to assist in this way, please contact our Chair.