London Oriana Choir celebrates 50th anniversary

London Oriana Choir is set to celebrate its 50^th anniversary throughout the upcoming season with a programme of concerts including premieres, collaborations and tours as well as the release of a new documentary film telling the story of the choir’s first 50 years.

The season kicks off on 4 November with a concert dedicated to choral icons throughout history including works by Benjamin Britten, Sir John Tavener, Sir James MacMillan, Dobrinka Tabakova and the choir’s patron Cecilia McDowall, who has also been commissioned to write an anniversary work for the choir which will be premiered at the gala concert in March.

Dominic Ellis-Peckham, the choir’s music director, said: ‘I am immensely proud to be leading this choir into its second half century. During this dynamic season, we will certainly be celebrating the past 50 years but will also have our eyes fixed firmly on the future. The nature of this choir is that we are always looking to move forward with our programming, partners and performances. I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years will bring.’ 

Launched in November 1973, London Oriana Choir was founded by Leon Lovett. David Drummond, who succeeded Lovett as musical director in 1997 will be returning to conduct the choir as part of the gala concert (15 March 2024). The centrepiece of the choir's 50th anniversary year, the gala concert will bring together 50 years of the group’s concert repertoire.

Guest soloist Beth Nielsen Chapman will also join the choir in a recreation of their collaborative performance at St Paul's Cathedral in 2006. Other collaborations across the season include concerts and workshops with vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six and the return of the Young Singer Choral Scholarship Programme, giving young singers the opportunity to sing alongside the choir.

As well as tours to Liverpool, Harwich and Paris, the anniversary will be marked by the release of a documentary film chronicling the choir’s first 50 years.