About the choir
The Barnes Choir, orginally known as the Barnes Music Club Choir, was established in 1953. A friendly and sociable choir, we number some 70 singers drawn mostly from the Barnes, Sheen & Richmond areas. We perform mainly, but not exclusively, classical choral works, including those of local composers such as Howard Goodall and Gustav Holst. We occasionally commission new works, most recently from the well known Russell Hepplewhite who composed a setting of Jamila Gavin's While there is still time for us, as part of our perfomance at the 10th Anniversary of the Barnes Music Festival, of which we are a Founder member.
We perform three major concerts each season. The Winter and Summer concerts are normally held at All Saints in East Sheen and the Spring concert at St Mary's in Barnes as part of the Barnes Music Festival.
Occasionally we combine with other choirs to put on a special performance, such as our recent collaboration with Epsom Choral Society to present William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast at Cadogan Hall in London last summer, and our presentation of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius at Southwark Cathedral in 2019
As well as our regular concerts, we sing at local summer fetes, and at Christmas events. We raise funds for local cancer support charity, The Mulberry Centre in Isleworth with our annual Christmas Carol concert. This year we were invited to perform at St Mary Magdalene, Richmond as part of the annual Richmond May Fair.
Once a Season we hold an Open Come and Sing day which attracts singers from all across South West London.
We are a friendly and sociable choir. We hold a number of social events, including Quiz/Talent night, our Carol Singers Dinner at a local restaurant after carol singing at Richmond Station and a Summer Party.
The choir has made several visits to Le Pecq, near Paris, with which Barnes has strong cultural links. We also sometimes organise summer tours. Recent trips include Krakow and Lisbon, this summer along with Epsom and Teddington Choral Societies we are touring to Prague.
We always welcome new members, if you think you might like to join us, please see the Join Us page or get in touch via the contact form.
Choir History and Conductors
The Barnes Music Club Choir was established in 1953 by local amateur musician Ron Peck who was the Founding Chairman of the Music Club, and we performed under his leadership until his death in 1973. Peter Gellhorn became the conductor from 1973 until 2000, and it was during his tenure that we changed our name to The Barnes Choir as wanted to recruit singers from a wider area, rather than restricitng ourselves to Barnes Music Club members. Peter was followed by Andrew Charity who stayed with us until 2013, when he was succeeded by Julian Collings.
Julian Collings - Musical Director
Julian Collings was educated as an organ scholar at Tonbridge School in Kent, before winning an organ scholarship to Christ’s College, Cambridge, in 1999, studying under Thomas Trotter and David Sanger. He is currently Director of Music at St Cyprian's Church, Clarence Gate, a post which he combines with a busy freelance performing schedule. Much in demand as a choral director, he conducts numerous choirs in London and is founding Musical Director of the much acclaimed Arcubus Ensemble
As an organ recitalist he has performed extensively both in the UK and overseas as well as broadcasting for BBC radio and television. Recent recital engagements have included Portsmouth Cathedral, St Alban’s Abbey and St John’s College Cambridge in addition to concerts in the Channel Islands, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Holland and Estonia.
As organist with Svyati Duo, he regularly collaborates with cellist Rebecca Hepplewhite, performing concerts in the UK, Europe, Asia and the United States of America. In addition, the duo have recorded three critically-acclaimed discs for Regent Records.
Julian also performs organ duets with Benedict Lewis-Smith as the Oxbridge Organ Duo - recent engagements include the Victoria International Arts Festival in Gozo, Kristiansand Cathedral in Norway and a recording of Stravinsky's Firebird from Blackburn Cathedral
Elspeth Wilkes - Assistant Conductor & Accompanist
Born in Leigh-on-sea, Essex, Elspeth studied at King’s College, London, Trinity College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. She has performed at venues including St John’s Smith Square; Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House; St Martin-in-the-Fields; Kings Place; Trafalgar Studios, West End; The Italian Cultural Institute and Hackney Empire as well as performing recitals in Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, France and South Africa.
Elspeth has performed at festivals including the Ravenna music festival, Italy, the Edinburgh Fringe festival and the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival where she won the prestigious ‘Oscar’ award for outstanding performance for her playing on Francis Bacon Opera. Elspeth has worked with BBC Wales, Royal Ballet, Royal Shakespeare Company and Southbank Sinfonia amongst others.
She has worked as a repetiteur/musical director with many opera companies including Opera up Close, Opera Brava, Merry Opera Company, Northern Ireland Opera and Opera de Bauge, playing continuo on several of their productions and acting as chorus master since 2011.
Elspeth has recently been accepted on to the music staff at ENO. She is conductor of Thurrock Choral Society and is a member of the Bridgetower Ensemble.