Welcome to Cirencester Choral Society

Singing Since 1863

Upcoming Events

Saturday 2nd May 2026

Cirencester Parish Church

 

Rossini’s – La Petite Messe Solennelle

Jenny Rees – Praise the Lord

 

Carleton Etherington (Conductor)

Professional Soloists

Saturday 5th December 2026

Cirencester Parish Church

 

Charpentier – Messe de Minuit pour Noel

Joseph Haydn – Missa Sancti Nicolai

 

Carleton Etherington (Conductor)

Professional Soloists

We are a thriving and friendly society of around 90 members performing autumn and spring concerts each year, supplemented by biennial charity Christmas concerts and summer choral workshops. Under the direction of Carleton Etherington, and with the support of professional soloists and orchestras, we perform unjustifiably neglected works as well as the more popular favourites from the choral repertoire and our concerts are well reviewed.

By keeping our ticket prices affordable and membership rates competitive, we attract good audiences and maintain a high membership level, thus making an important contribution to the cultural life of our town.  For any students interested in joining the Society, we offer a significantly reduced rate of just £20.

The Society is a registered charity and is affiliated to Making Music.  

Please look through our site using the links to learn more about our upcoming events, our recent activities and our long history.

For a list of rehearsal dates and times, please click on the Find Us link, under Contact Us on the main menu or click on the link.  This information can also be found under the Members section of the website.  For further information about joining the Society and subscription rates, please click on the Join Us link on the main menu.

Would you like to find out just a little more information about the music that Cirencester Choral Society are singing.  If so, please click on this link – Further Musical Information, or click on the Further Information menu link under the Contact Us link.

We have a Facebook page where you can find information about our upcoming concerts.  Please click on this link and do follow us and like us.  

If you wish to contact any of the committee, please click on the Contact Us menu link at the top of the page and select E-Mail Us and then select the person that you wish to contact.  Otherwise, if you wish to contact the Chair directly, please click here:  Contact the Chair.

 

 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 276649

 

 


Cirencester Choral Society gratefully acknowledges Tanners’
financial contribution to the running of our concerts.

 

“I joined the choir in January, partly because I had such a quick and warm response from Tim.  I was then greeted by Tim at my first rehearsal and he introduced me to the people I was sitting next to.  This was lovely and the people in my row were always welcoming and chatted to me before and after”.

“I have loved both concerts I took part in.  Singing in the Parish Church is a delight in itself and seeing all those faces in front of us and being determined to do our best for them makes the choir experience complete”.

“I really like the newsletters and am very appreciative of them ….they are current and topical.  They give a friendly “face” to the society and a sense that we are all participating in making the society a success….the most relevant parts are feedback from Carleton, a reminder of what we rehearsed the previous week ( particularly helpful if you’ve missed the rehearsal) and anything else we need to think about…. He also includes news of other concerts and events”.

“The new website is really well set out and contains a lot of helpful and informative information…really valuable and very well organised.  I particularly appreciate the musical links”.

“Of all the choirs I have joined over the years, Cirencester Choral Society is certainly the most welcoming and friendly with things like the flexible seating plan helping to learn people’s names for example”.

“I really enjoy singing with CCS – high standards are expected by Carleton, Thomas and other with who, we have worked and that is important. My sincere thanks to them and all the committee who work so hard to make it all happen”.

“Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed being back singing again. It’s been a while since I was in a choir, and my goodness, I had a fabulous time performing on Saturday evening. I wanted to do it all again on Sunday!

Everyone in the choir has been very welcoming as I get my sight reading specs back on, and I’d like to say a particular thank you to the Committee, and to Carleton and Thomas for making it happen, and making it fun, whilst maintaining high standards.

Really looking forward to the Rossini and Rees next term. Thanks again and season’s greetings to everyone”.

Our People 

Carleton Etherington
Musical Director

Thomas Hawkes
Accompanist