Capel Choral Society

According to the Capel Parish Magazine, there was considered to be ‘‘quite sufficient musical talent’’ in October 1904 for the formation of a choral society in the village, which would provide ‘a very pleasant evening’s work and recreation’. Capel duly contested the first Leith Hill Musical Competitions on 10th May 1905; together with Shalford it is one of only two original Festival choirs to survive into the modern era, participating in every Festival since 1905.
After World War II, the Society re-formed in 1948 for the specific purpose of competing in the Leith Hill Musical Festival. Apart from one year in Division 2, it has sung in Division 1 until this year’s reallocation and renaming of Divisions when it finds itself in Red Division. Capel has had considerable past success in the Competitions.
Capel Choral Society also organises its own concerts, at Christmas and in the summer. In autumn 2014 the Choir was delighted to take part in the filming of a BBC Countryfile programme on a Vaughan Williams theme at Leith Hill Place, a very high profile way to celebrate the choir’s 110th birthday!
Choir Conductors before World War II included James Gore, the village schoolmaster, and the brilliant young composer/ pianist Arthur Benjamin who conducted the Choir for two seasons in the 1920’s. The Choir is now conducted by Stuart Longley.
The Choir is very keen to welcome new singers of all voice parts. If you are interested in joining us, please contact the Secretary, Rosemary Goddard, phone 01306711259, email rosemary.goddard25@gmail.com.