Brief History of Burnham & Highbridge Choral

Society

The Society began in 1972. It was known as the Parish Choir. The organist of St Andrew’s Church founded the Choir, which naturally met in the Church. From the outset, there was a Committee and a Chairman. The President was the Rev. Raymond Dean, who took a very active interest. By 1978 there were about 25 members. At each rehearsal, members would put a donation (5 shillings = 25p) in a bucket. This was intended to help towards Church Funds and heating. By 1978 the M.D. changed. The repertoire was pretty standard, with items well known to members: Ollivet To Calvary – Crucifiction – Haydn’s; The Creation – parts of The Messiah etc. These were performed in either St Andrew’s, St John’s Highbridge or the Baptist Church Burnham-on-Sea. The change from Parish Choir to Burnham and Highbridge Choral Society was dramatic! In 1996 when John Henshaw became M.D. there was a rapid increase in membership (50/60) and , along with it, the singing of works that only a much larger choir could tackle. John introduced Frances Webb as our first professional accompanist. Since John passed away in 2009, both M.D. and Accompanist have been professional musicians, as are our soloists. With the growth of Community Choirs, the Society broadened its repertoire both to attract new members and attract audiences which continue to thoroughly enjoy our concerts. The Spring Concert is usually accompanied by an orchestral ensemble. List of Concerts and Music from 1996

Recordings from Past Concerts

 Spring 2024  Christmas 2023  Spring 2023  Christmas 2022  Spring 2022  Spring 2019  Christmas 2018  Spring 2018