Ardingly Choral Society - History

The College Choral Society was started in 1948 by Robin Miller when he was appointed Director of Music. It developed from the college choir which existed from the foundation of the College in 1858. In the 1960s the College accepted day boys and day girls, so the membership of the Choral Society changed from pupils, parents and staff to become the more inclusive Society it now is, embracing ex-pupils, parents, members of staff and the wider community.

The earliest records have been passed on by Sandy Hett who still sings tenor regularly with the Society and whose uncle kept the original documents showing how the Society was fully involved with the Lewes Music Festival. Sandy's aunt was secretary for many years. The earliest records go back to 1917 though it would seem that Ardingly Choral Society was in existance before then.

We have recently renewed our links with the Mid Sussex Sinfonia with whom we are proud to present our concerts.

Robert Hammersley is the choir’s current conductor and was Director of Music of Ardingly College from 1996-2007.

In 2008 the choir changed its name to the Ardingly Choral Society, registered as an independent charity and affiliated to “Making Music” (the national federation of music societies) which supports and champions voluntary music making.

Choir Tours

Over the past ten years, the Choir has made biennial tours abroad. In 2000 a small group of singers and friends went to Normandy, performing Haydn’s Nelson Mass in Bayeux Cathedral to an audience of about 300, an occasion cherished by those who took part, and also singing in other churches in the area. Following the success of this tour another one was organised in 2002, this time going to Ghent. On this occasion a much larger group sang in St Pauls Church and in Ghent Cathedral. By now there was great enthusiasm within the choir for another tour and a trip was then organised to Paris in 2004; this time we had 46 singers, singing Mass in St Séveren Church and a concert - to a standing ovation - before an audience of 800 in La Madeleine. This was a truly memorable occasion. In 2006 we went to Lille, this time singing in Lille Cathedral and singing Mass in Ypres Cathedral.

Over the May bank holiday in 2008 the choir took a whole coach full of singers and friends on a tour of Normandy, performing Haydn's Nelson Mass, Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine and Handel’s Zadok the Priest amongst other works in churches in the area.

These tours have provided the choir with unforgettable experiences. Friends and family join the singers which enhances the friendly atmosphere for which the choir is noted.