Vocalis was formed 50 years ago (as Harrogate Chamber Singers) in 1974 and we celebrating all things Vocalis throughout the 2023 - 2024 season. Please keep an eye on our News and Events page for further details!
Harrogate's popular and sociable chamber choir, is a mixed-voice choir of experienced and enthusiastic singers, singing a wide variety of music, both sacred and secular, from the fifteenth century to the present day.
Vocalis sing up to five concerts a year. We are a registered charity, our main aim being to improve, develop and maintain public appreciation of music and we are dedicated to raising funds for local charities. In recent years these have included Wellspring, Just B, Harrogate Citizens Advice Bureau, Harrogate Samaritans, Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity and the Harrogate Homeless Project. We perform concerts in a wide range of settings and are equally at home performing at weddings and other events as requested.
Vocalis regularly collaborates with other groups. We have performed with English Touring Opera and the Harrogate Philharmonic Orchestra. In Spring 2016, we worked with a small professional band and soprano soloist Peyee Chen to perform a programme of Haydn and Handel. We have joined forces with St Aidan's School Chamber Choir for a successful Christmas concert. Most recently, in Spring 2022 we worked with a small professional ensemble to perform a programme of 'Baroque Delights'.
In addition, since 2018 we have been delighted to have the opportunity to perform large scale choral works with St Peter's Church Choir, professional soloists and The Harrogate Handel Players under the direction of their Musical Director John Longstaff. These concerts have included performances of Handel's Messiah, Bach's St Matthew Passion and Mass in B Minor, the latter with Dame Emma Kirkby as one of the soloists.
We look forward to welcoming you to our concerts throughout the year!
