Welcome to
119th Season
Maidstone Choral Union
Our Next Concert
The Choir is joined by soloists Kevin Ashman, a local trumpet player of great repute, and Jennifer Westwood, a widely experienced mezzo- soprano. The Choir will sing a range of pieces to include items from Haydn’s Creation and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Sing With Us
You are very welcome to come along to a rehearsal and see if you enjoy it. We meet on Tuesday evenings during term times at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School.
*Rehersals due to recommence on Tuesday September 7th.
Need a Choir?
Sorry we are unable to offer ‘Hire a Choir’ at present
Maidstone Choral Union is very happy to supply a choir for special occasions. A group of about twelve members regularly sings at weddings and funerals. We are happy to sing your choice of hymn at church services and a more generalised piece of music at moments such as the Signing of the Register at a wedding.
We are happy to wear gowns supplied by your church, our own choir dress or smart clothing suitable for the occasion.
Maidstone Choral Union is very happy to supply a choir for special occasions.
A group of about twelve members regularly sings at weddings and funerals.
We are happy to wear gowns supplied by your church, our own choir dress or smart clothing suitable for the occasion.
Our usual fee is £150 payable to Maidstone Choral Union.
Music Director
Martin Hindmarsh has been Music Director of Maidstone Choral Union since 2008.The members certainly benefit at every rehearsal from his lively and engaging manner.
Season/Concerts
We are proud to say we are in our 119th Season. For full information on forthcoming concerts click the link below.
Locations
We perform most of our concerts at All Saints Church in Maidstone. Some are at The United Reformed Church, Week St, Maidstone or at Mote Hall, Maidstone.
History
In 1902 Maidstone had a Ladies Glee Club, whose conductor was Frank Wilson Parish, the organist at All Saints’ Church. In October that year some musical gentlemen sought to join them and the Maidstone Choral Union was born.
Come and Sing with Us
If you would like to join us do get in touch with our Membership Secretary.
The choir meets every Tuesday in term time at Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School, Buckland Hill, Maidstone ME16 0SF from 7.30 to 9.30. If you are interested in joining come along to a rehearsal to see whether you enjoy it or contact the membership secretary.
Usually we have 4 concerts per year at All Saints Church, Maidstone and a 12th Night Concert at The URC, Maidstone. You can buy or hire scores.
The choir is sometimes invited to sing at other events such as the Maidstone Festival, weddings, funerals etc.
We are a very friendly choir and you will be asked to sit next to an established choir member who will keep a friendly eye on you. You do not have to be able to sight-read music, although it helps, practising with a CD between rehearsals is also useful!
Annual Subscriptions cost £120 (Standing order for 12 * £10)
or £110 if paid before end of October. New members £10 for the first term and students £10 per concert.
Concert Dress
Women – long black skirts and black elbow length sleeved top with a peacock blue scarf, which you buy through the society. We occasionally wear a plain white top of your own choice.
Men – Black dinner jackets and a peacock blue bow tie, which you buy through the society.
Choral Student Programme
Would you like to sing with MCU, Maidstone’s leading adult choir free of charge?
Learn to sing with our Choral Student Programme.
We offer:
A friendly mentor within the choir who will be your contact.
Free membership until the end of your full time schooling.
Free hire of scores.
Two half-price tickets for your first concert.
You agree:
To attend rehearsals regularly on Tuesday evenings during term time (7.30pm – 9.30pm) at Maidstone Girls Grammar School.
For further information contact our membership sectretary.
CONTACTS
Our Annual Tour Abroad
In the last few years we have been to Koblenz, Appledorn, Beauvais, Bayeux, Witten, but we are also looking at more local tours within the UK.
Social Activities
As well as singing in rehearsals and concerts, Maidstone Choral Union runs a number of social activities, including
Fundraising activities such as quizzes, Strawberry tea and Murder Mystery evenings.
