Dawlish Choral Society
Dawlish Choral Society brings together singers from across the area for weekly rehearsals at the Manor House on Old Town Street. The group tackles a broad repertoire that spans traditional oratorios and requiems to selections from Gilbert and Sullivan, often choosing pieces that audiences do not hear as regularly in smaller towns. Under musical director Nicholas Gardiner, the choir delivers performances accompanied by professional soloists and orchestras when the programme demands it.
The society traces its roots back over four decades, starting as St Gregory’s Singers before evolving into its current form. It remains a registered charity supported in part by local councils, which helps cover costs for venues and musicians. Concerts typically take place at St Gregory’s Church in the town centre, a space that suits the acoustics for choral works. Past programmes have included Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives, Fauré’s Requiem, and themed evenings drawing on lighter operetta styles.
Members describe the atmosphere as welcoming, with no formal auditions required, making it straightforward for capable singers to join. Rehearsals focus on building the music term by term, leading up to public performances a couple of times a year, sometimes in aid of local causes like the Friends of Dawlish Hospital.
Local press coverage of concerts highlights the choir’s ability to handle demanding scores with enthusiasm, noting strong attendance and appreciation for introducing less familiar pieces to the area. One review praised a performance for bringing a trail-blazing oratorio to the town, emphasising the surprise and quality delivered by the director and singers.
Anyone interested in singing or attending can reach the chairperson for details on upcoming terms. The society continues to play its part in keeping live choral music alive along the south Devon coast.