BBC Singers

The BBC Singers are the professional chamber choir of the BBC. As one of six BBC Performing Groups, the 24-voiced choir has been in existence for more than 80 years. The BBC Singers has commissioned and premiered works by the leading composers of the past century, including Benjamin Britten, Sir Michael Tippett, Judith Weir and Sir John Tavener. It regularly performs alongside leading international orchestras and conductors, and makes invitational appearances at national events such as the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in Westminster Abbey.

The BBC Singers are based at the BBC's Maida Vale Studios. They perform across the country, tour internationally, and undertake nationwide outreach programmes. They have released several commercial CDs.

Notable former members of the group include the tenor Sir Peter Pears, the mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, the composer Judith Bingham and the conductor Harry Christophers (director of The Sixteen).

History

In 1924, the young BBC engaged Stanford Robinson as Chorus Master. He proceeded to form a choir for a performance of Rutland Boughton's Immortal Hour, and this choir, known as The Wireless Chorus would shortly thereafter be established as a full-time professional choir. In 1927, the BBC created an octet named The Wireless Singers, drawn from members of the Wireless Chorus, for performances where fewer singers were required. Guest conductors of both groups during these early years included Sir Edward Elgar, Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg and a young Sir John Barbirolli.