Singers hitting right note for 30 years

Dewsbury Concert Society was founded in 1981 with the aim of staging performances in venues of all kinds, a tradition it has maintained ever since.

It was established by Ronnie Whitham, who remained the group’s musical director until he retired from the post three years ago.

The society, which has 35 members, covers a wide repertoire of music, from religious cantatas to pop and songs from the shows, depending upon the occasion and audience.

Choir member Geoff Alvy said: “One of our founder members told me we’re probably the only group round here still going out to audiences in their own area. There’s not as much live music around these days as used to be the case and I think people appreciate us for keeping to that tradition.”

His comments were echoed by current musical director Keith Webster.

He said: “I know from the comments we receive at every performance that people enjoy our programme and our singing. We must be doing something right because they keep inviting us back!

“I think one of the reasons audiences enjoy our shows so much is that we really love singing and I’m sure that shows through in the way we perform.”

Choral singing is undergoing something of a revival, thanks partly to the popularity of TV shows led by Gareth Malone, and this has provided a boost to the society in recent months.

To join the society or to ask it to perform for your organisation, contact Mr Webster on 01924 443196 or Lynn Alvy on 01924 478258.