The History of The Great Western Chorus

Formed in 1974 following inspiration from a touring American chorus, The Great Western Chorus of Bristol has been bringing joy and entertainment to British, European and American audiences ever since, with its unique blend of 50+ unaccompanied male voices, performing wonderful close harmony arrangements.

The Chorus performs songs from accross the whole spectrum of popular music, including numbers made famous by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, The Everley Brothers, Matt Monro, Billie Holliday, Al Jolson and The Drifters, as well as unforgettable show-stoppers from the world of Musical Theatre, the Music Hall era, and sacred songs.

The Chorus has performed at prestigious venues on many occasions, most notably The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, (with 100 stars and celebrities, including Phil Collins, in aid of the Terry Thomas Appeal); The London Coliseum (in the presence of Prince Charles, to mark the 50th Anniversary of V.E. Day); The Barbican (with The Swingle Singers), and The Royal Festival Hall. It has also won through to final rounds of The Sainsbury's Choir of the Year Competition on 3 occasions, competing at The Royal Albert Hall and The Buxton Opera House.

Also, T.V. appearances with Russell Harty, Michael Barrymore, Esther Rantzen and Harry Secombe on Songs of Praise and Highway have enabled the Chorus to build a solid reputation for entertainment to the highest standard.

The Great Western Chorus has won the British Association of Barbershop Singers' Championship on a record 6 occasions and has never been placed outside of the top five Nationally!. Recently, it travelled to Dublin to compete and entertain at the Irish International Barbershop Convention, and to Llangollen, North Wales, for the International Eisteddfod, (where it was placed 2nd in both 2004 and 2006).

Also during 2006, the Chorus has qualified through Audition and Selection rounds for the BBC Radio 3 Adult Choir Of The Year Final. 

The Chorus has a proud history of competing in local, (as well as National and International), music festivals and was the 2005 champion of the Mid Somerset Music Festival's (Bath) popular music, male voice choir and sacred songs classes, and the 2004 male voice choir and barbershop chorus champions of the Devon Music Festival (Exeter).