The ‘Phil’, as the choir is affectionately known, plays a significant part in the rich musical fabric of York. The choir loves to sing; and the passion, commitment, and continuity that has sustained since it was founded in 1925; is very much in evidence today. The story of the choir has been beautifully documented in the book Sound Fellows by choir member Colin Hockridge currently available from Amazon, click here to purchase.
Latest news: Colin has produced a supplemental update for his book which you can download here . This update includes previously undiscovered material and brings us up to date with the history of the choir as we progress through our tenth decade. Speak to Colin if you wish to purchase a printed version.
News: Colin has added to our archive material by writing an article on the choir's involvement in a 1973 competition to write the Australian national anthem. We were recently joined by the Australian Welsh Male Choir who enjoyed hearing the tale and were delighted to be treated to the original recording. click here to read the exclusive article.
Whether your taste is for contemporary or classical, west-end or opera, folk song or spiritual, the wide repertoire will offer entertainment and pleasure. The choir has won competitions and audience acclaim in European venues and in the UK, from the Royal Albert Hall to Village Halls, from Castle Howard to the Castle Museum and from York Minster to a Dales Chapel. If you would like to hear some of our music click the 'listen' tab on the bottom left of this page or click here to purchase a copy of our best known CD, Let All Men Sing.
The strength and success of the choir goes beyond the concert platform, and is heightened by the depth of friendship that exists between members, families, friends and sponsors.
We hope you enjoy your visit to our website and we look forward to seeing you soon at one of our many concerts or welcoming you to join us as either a singing member or as a friend.
NEWS Monday, 07 January 2019 It is with great sadness that we report the death of our long term accompanist and Honorary Life Member Mrs. Eileen Grey. Eileen said ‘yes’ to an urgent request to play for the choir at ‘Carols in Kirkgate’ in 1991 – a single booking which lasted for 27 years. She ended her time with us as she began, playing at all the performances of ‘Christmas Traditions 2018’. She gave her last performance on the 8th December and announced her retirement on grounds of ill health. She passed away peacefully on the 31st December. Eileen first performed with the choir as a guest singer in 1968, and, in 1975, she was a founder member of the Kirkgate Ladies choir, a group which still joins us each year to enhance our Christmas shows. Eileen’s contribution to the success and life of the choir has been so significant that she is the only person, other than musical directors, to merit her own chapter in the published history of the choir.