Next Concert

Ashford Choral Society is a choir of 110 singers – ranging in age from 17 to over 80. Founded in 1857 – and with a continuous performance history since then – Ashford Choral Society is one of the oldest such choirs in the UK.

After a busy and successful 2024-5 season under the baton of Matthew Raisbeck, the society looks forward to another season of music-making beginning with rehearsals in September.

Future Concerts

Our first concert of the 2025-6 season will be Handel’s Alexander’s Feast – or the Power of Musick which will be performed with orchestra and professional soloists at Wye Church on Saturday 22rd November. Very appropriately for Saint Cecilia’s Day, Handel’s dramatic work ends with a chorus of praise to the Saint and the power of music for good.

On Satuday 20th December we will sing our annual carol concert at St Mary the Virgin Church, Willesborough, continuing a 60-year-old tradition of fundraising for local charities. We will be singing several works by contemporary composers alongside more traditional favourites.

From Tuesday 6th January 2026 we will start working towards our May concert with full orchestra. This will feature Duruflé’s Requiem, Rutter’s Gloria and Finzi’s Lo, the full, final sacrifice (exact date and venue to be confirmed).

New members

Ashford Choral Society is a welcoming choir with singers of all ages and new members are actively encouraged. Anyone interested in joining the Society should contact the Secretary at secretary@ashfordchoral.org.uk. For more detailed information about joining the choir see our FAQs.

The annual subscription from September 2025 will be £156. The subscription can be paid in one sum or in agreed instalments. It is excellent value for all the joy that singing together brings – not to mention the opportunity for each member to participate in concerts at a very high level, with full orchestra and professional soloists. Under 25s join for free.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous financial support of our Friends. Anyone interested in becoming a Friend, or being on a Society’s mailing list, should contact the Friends’ Secretary email: friends@ashfordchoral.org.uk or download the application form here.

Our singers, Friends and audiences come not just from Ashford but from all over the Weald, Romney Marsh and the coastal areas, so do come and join us.

Ashford Choral Society is a member of the National Association of Choirs and the Ashford Federation of Arts.