The Derbyshire Singers
One of the most highly regarded choirs in the East Midlands
Welcome to our website.
We are a choir of around 60 voices with members from North Derbyshire. We have a reputation for giving concerts of high quality presented with professional soloists, groups and orchestral players.
We perform at least 3 concerts and a ' Christmas Cracker ' every season with a very varied repertoire.
Explore our website to find out more!
51st Season
2024/2025
An Exciting New Season for The Derbyshire Singers
Our July concert at Derby Cathedral was our last with conductor Lynne Clark as she and Joe Clark, who founded the choir 50 years ago, retire. This marks the end of a very long and rare custodianship of a choir which has meant so much to many singers over those years. Words can’t easily express our gratitude to Joe and Lynne, and we wish them the very best for their retirement.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jonathan Allsopp as our new Music Director, beginning in September. Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and talent to the role. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Music at Southwell Minster where he is the principal accompanist to the Cathedral Choir and regularly conducts them and the Minster Chorale, the Cathedral’s adult voluntary choir. He oversees both the annual organ recital series and Music in the State Chamber, a series in support of Southwell Minster Choir Association which promotes young and local musicians.
Jonathan's previous experience includes holding organ scholarships at the
cathedrals of Westminster, Durham, and Hereford. He also serves as the
accompanist to the Nottingham Harmonic Choir and, until recently, was Music Director of the Lincoln Chorale. His work with the Musical & Amicable Society at Southwell has included directing and playing in major works such as Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Creation, and Bach’s St John Passion.
We warmly welcome new members. Potential new members may join at any time if the balance of the choir allows. If you are interested in singing with the Derbyshire Singers, you are invited to attend a few rehearsals to experience singing with us before making a commitment. We rehearse at The Presentation Convent on Chesterfield Road in Matlock every Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, starting again on 3rd September 2024. Choral scholarships are available for singers aged 25 and under.
On Saturday 28th September we are holding a ‘Come and Sing Day’ directed by Jonathan focusing on works by Bach and Handel. Places can be booked on the 'Come and Sing Days' tab above.
For more information or to express interest in joining, please contact our choir secretary at secretaryderbyshiresingers@gmail.com
We look forward to a new season of inspiring performances and musical growth under Jonathan's direction.