Key Points
- West London Chorus, formerly known as Chiswick Choir, marks its 50th anniversary since its founding in 1976.
- The choir was established by John Thackray and has evolved under various conductors, currently led by Hilary Campbell.
- The choir renamed itself West London Chorus in 2021 to reflect its wider geographical reach.
- Celebratory events include a special 50th anniversary concert scheduled for July 12, 2026, at Cadogan Hall, London.
- The choir is preparing a performance of Handel’s Dixit Dominus for the anniversary concert.
- Workshops and community singing events are part of the lead-up to the celebrations, including a choral workshop on Handel’s Dixit Dominus in September 2025.
- The choir’s repertoire spans classic European choral music from the 16th to 20th centuries and includes contemporary works.
- They have a history of touring, including performances in Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres.
- The choir launched its first commercial CD in 2021 featuring works by Bob Chilcott.
- The choir continues to engage the community with affordable concerts, workshops, and opportunities for new members to join.
What is the history behind the West London Chorus’s 50th anniversary?
The West London Chorus, originally founded as the Chiswick Choir in 1976 by John Thackray, has reached its 50th year milestone this year. John Thackray was a passionate musician known for conducting several London choirs. The choir operated under the baton of Alistair Jones from 1984 to 2015 and has flourished under its current musical director and conductor, Hilary Campbell, who is an award-winning composer, since January 2016. In 2021, seeking to reflect its broader reach beyond Chiswick, the choir rebranded as West London Chorus. This milestone celebrates five decades of choral music and community engagement in West London.
What special events are planned for the 50th anniversary celebrations?
A major highlight of the celebrations is a 50th anniversary concert set for Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the prestigious Cadogan Hall in London. For this event, the choir is preparing to perform Handel’s Dixit Dominus, a dynamic sacred choral work that promises a memorable celebration. Leading up to this flagship concert, the chorus is hosting various community events like a choral workshop on September 20, 2025, at St Michael’s Church on Elmwood Road, where attendees rehearsed Dixit Dominus under Hilary Campbell’s direction. The workshop included a social gathering, emphasising community involvement and engagement for singers from all backgrounds.
What repertoire and performances define the West London Chorus?
The West London Chorus’s repertoire is rooted in the European choral tradition from the 16th to the 20th centuries, featuring works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Verdi. The choir also performs contemporary compositions, including premieres like Alistair Jones’s Stabat Mater (2006) and modern works by composers such as Bob Chilcott and Cecilia McDowall, who became the choir’s patron in 2022. Their concerts, often themed, include pieces ranging from sacred to secular with a focus on delivering high musical standards accessible to diverse audiences.
Has the choir been involved in notable tours or recordings?
Yes. In 2022, the chorus toured Belgium, performing in Bruges, Ghent, and Ypres, notably at the Menin Gate, with a programme featuring 20th-century British sacred music by composers like Elgar and Howells. The choir also launched its first commercial CD in 2021, featuring two seasonal works by Bob Chilcott, Wenceslas and On Christmas Night. These milestones highlight not only their local impact but also their presence on the international choral stage.
How does the West London Chorus engage the wider community?
Throughout the year, the choir holds several concerts and workshops. For example, their summer concert in July 2025 featured a UK premiere of The Rainbow by Bob Chilcott, a thematic choral work exploring colour. The choir encourages new members to join, offering workshops such as the “Come and Sing” events, where singers collaborate and learn major choral pieces. Their concerts are priced affordably to reach a wide audience, fostering community appreciation for choral music.
The West London Chorus’s 50-year journey reflects enduring dedication to choral excellence, inclusivity, and community cultural enrichment. Their upcoming anniversary concert and ongoing activities highlight their place as a vibrant part of London’s musical and community landscape.
