Bristol Choral Society

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Bristol Choral Society

Bristol Choral Society is one of the premier symphony choruses in the South West, staging concerts of a very high standard, currently at Bristol Cathedral.

05/03/2026

A (2 minute) Meeting of Musical Minds: Bach’s St. John Passion

We are thrilled to share this behind-the-scenes look at the first collaboration between our Musical Director, Hilary Campbell, and the world-renowned tenor Mark Padmore, CBE.

Watch as they discuss their shared vision for Bach’s masterpiece, the energy of the choir in rehearsal, and the journey to uncover the deep emotional heart of this incredible story. It has been a true privilege to witness their combined expertise bringing a new, vivid life to the Chorales and the narrative of the Passion.

Experience the power, the drama, and the profound beauty of Bach as you’ve never heard it before.

Bach’s St. John Passion
28 March
Bristol Beacon

Tickets from £15.00 and Under 26 tickets are half price!

Book now at https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/bristol-choral-society-st-john-passion/

22/02/2026

What happens when a world-class tenor joins forces with our choir?

Following our recent rehearsal with Mark Padmore, we’ve been working to unlock the raw emotion and "dirty" drama of Bach’s St John Passion. Mark's deep-dive into the chorales has transformed the way we tell this story.

On March 28th, all that work, all that insight, and all that drama comes to life on the stage. You’ve heard the St John Passion before—but you haven’t heard it like this.

Don't just listen. Experience it.

✨ Saturday 28 March, 7:30pm
✨ Bristol Beacon
✨ Tickets from £15 (Under 26s half price!)

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to secure your seats!

12/02/2026

A Masterclass in Passion!

What an unforgettable evening! We were incredibly lucky to have our Joint President, the world-renowned tenor Mark Padmore, join us in rehearsal this week.

Working alongside our Musical Director, Hilary Campbell, Mark shared his unparalleled expertise of his knowledge and experience of Bach’s St John Passion.

Mark helped us unlock new layers of this masterpiece. Mark’s unique insights into the text and phrasing have transformed how we approach this epic work—bringing a new level of intimacy and power to our sound.

We are now more excited than ever to share this powerful work with you.

Saturday, March 28th
7:30 PM
Bristol Beacon
Tickets are moving fast! Book yours now https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/bristol-choral-society-st-john-passion/

03/02/2026

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CONCERT. THIS IS AN 18th-CENTURY THRILLER!

Think classical music is just for background noise? We’re here to change your mind.

On 28 March, Bristol Choral Society brings Bach’s St John Passion to the Bristol Beacon. This isn't just a performance; it’s a high-stakes psychological drama.

Expect: High-Stakes Narrative: A story of betrayal, trial, and tension.
The "Mob": Watch (and hear) the choir transform into an angry, visceral crowd.
Cinematic Power: Music that hits with the same intensity as a modern film score.

Whether you're a lifelong Bach fan or looking for a night of intense live storytelling, this is for you.

TICKETS FROM £15. Under 26? Get 50% off! Link in the first comment below.

Bristol Beacon | Saturday 28 March, 7:30pm

31/01/2026

A Truly Magnificat Day! 🎶

What an incredible afternoon at our "Come and Sing" event! We had a wonderful turnout today at Bristol Choral Society as we dove into the beautiful harmonies of John Rutter’s Magnificat.

A massive thank you to our Music Director, Hilary Campbell, for her magnificent leadership and infectious energy, and to the brilliant Krystal Tunnicliffe for her superb accompaniment on the piano.

Of course, no BCS event is complete without our legendary spread—the infamous BCS cakes certainly lived up to their reputation and went down a treat during the break!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to raise the roof. We hope to see you at our next concert!

29/01/2026

Update: Event now SOLD OUT! Watch out for our next Come and Sing in September.

Join us on Saturday, 31 January, for a "Come & Sing" afternoon featuring John Rutter’s joyful Magnificat. As the composer himself says, this is a chance to lose all inhibitions and sing with a terrific sense of joy.

Led by our dynamic Musical Director, Hilary Campbell, it promises to be a special afternoon of music-making at Tyndale Baptist Church.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday 31 January, 1.30pm – 5.30pm (Registration from 1pm)

Location: Tyndale Baptist Church, BS8 2QG

Tickets: £20 (Under 26s just £10)

Inclusions: Ticket price includes score hire and refreshments including the infamous delicious cakes

Book your tickets now at: bristolchoral.co.uk/events

Please note: If you have bought tickets and can no longer attend, please contact [email protected] for further information. Any comments selling tickets below will be removed.

25/01/2026

Update: SOLD OUt!

Join us on Saturday, 31 January, for a "Come & Sing" afternoon featuring John Rutter’s joyful Magnificat. As the composer himself says, this is a chance to lose all inhibitions and sing with a terrific sense of joy.

Led by our dynamic Musical Director, Hilary Campbell, it promises to be a special afternoon of music-making at Tyndale Baptist Church.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday 31 January, 1.30pm – 5.30pm (Registration from 1pm)

Location: Tyndale Baptist Church, BS8 2QG

Tickets: £20 (Under 26s just £10)

Inclusions: Ticket price includes score hire and refreshments including the infamous delicious cakes

Book your tickets now at: bristolchoral.co.uk/events

Please note: If you have bought tickets and can no longer attend, please contact [email protected] for further information. Any comments selling tickets below will be removed.

21/01/2026

What a brilliant Open Rehearsal we enjoyed this evening.

Led by our exuberant Music Director Hilary and accompanied on piano by our Assistant Music Director Steven Kings, Bach's St John Passion came to life. It was so lovely to see new faces come and join us.

18/01/2026

Open Rehearsal this Wednesday 21 January: Experience the Power of Bach with Bristol Choral Society

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand in the heart of a massive choir, surrounded by powerful harmonies? Now is your chance. Bristol Choral Society invites singers of all voice parts to a special Open Rehearsal at the historic Council Chamber in City Hall.

We will be diving into the dramatic intensity of Bach’s St John Passion, performed in its original German. This is more than just a practice session; it is an opportunity to receive expert vocal tuition from our acclaimed musical director, Hilary Campbell, and to feel the undeniable joy and energy that only a large-scale choral setting can provide.

Whether you are a seasoned singer or looking to return to the choral world, come and lift your voice with us in one of Bristol’s most grand settings.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Time: 7.15pm – 9.30pm

Location: Council Chamber, City Hall, College Green, Bristol

Entry: Completely free and no need to book—just turn up at 7pm to grab a score and a seat ready to start at 7.15pm

17/01/2026

Open Rehearsal next Wednesday 21 January: Experience the Power of Bach with Bristol Choral Society

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to stand in the heart of a massive choir, surrounded by powerful harmonies? Now is your chance. Bristol Choral Society invites singers of all voice parts to a special Open Rehearsal at the historic Council Chamber in City Hall.

We will be diving into the dramatic intensity of Bach’s St John Passion, performed in its original German. This is more than just a practice session; it is an opportunity to receive expert vocal tuition from our acclaimed musical director, Hilary Campbell, and to feel the undeniable joy and energy that only a large-scale choral setting can provide.

Whether you are a seasoned singer or looking to return to the choral world, come and lift your voice with us in one of Bristol’s most grand settings.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Time: 7.15pm – 9.30pm

Location: Council Chamber, City Hall, College Green, Bristol

Entry: Completely free and no need to book—just turn up at 7pm to grab a score and a seat ready to start at 7.15pm

Address

Bristol

Website

http://www.bristolchoral.co.uk/

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