Southwell Minster Choir Association

SMCA was established in 1990 as a charitable organisation to support and promote the life and work of the Cathedral Music Foundation at Southwell, in particular the choristers.

Membership

There are around 70 members, many local, but others from as far a field as London, Devon, East Anglia and Yorkshire. Three times a year members receive an informative newsletter with ‘behind the scenes’ news about the choir, and advance notice of forthcoming choir events. Members are also sent a full list of the music that will be performed at every Minster service in the coming term.

SMCA has three elected officers – currently the Rector Chori Mr Paul Hale Chairman, Mr Michael Woollatt Treasurer and Mrs Jill Blackwell Secretary. Bishop George is the Patron and Dean John the President. In addition there is an active and dedicated committee.

Fundraising

SMCA organises fundraising events such as the annual St Cecilia concert which takes place every November. A choir Christmas cards is printed each year, with a lovely picture of the choristers in the Minster. These cards are always very popular with chorister families and friends and SMCA members, but also visitors to Southwell who can purchase them at the Minster Shop.

We are helped in our fundraising by the Music in the Great Hall recital series, and by Mrs Rhoda Coates who organises interval refreshments at concerts in the Minster, with all proceeds going to the SMCA.

Financial support

SMCA makes funds available to support and enhance the work of the choir, e.g. paying for professional singing lessons and contributing to the cost of travel and tours—recent visits have included singing Evensong at King's College Cambridge, travelling to London to record a CD, singing a concert at St Philip’s Church in Leicester and attending the Robert Ashfield Memorial Service at Rochester Cathedral. Every two years the choir undertakes an overseas tour, and in May 2008 will be going to the Puglia region of Southern Italy. This would not be possible without the help of SMCA.

Become a member of the Association

There has never been a more important time to support the choral tradition of Southwell Minster, and SMCA membership is open to all! Our suggested annual subscription is £10 for a single person, and £15 for a family. Please phone 01636 819299 or download an application form.