A Handful of Singers | Bath's quality chamber choir

In 2002 a group of keen singers with good sight reading skills were looking for a choir to challenge them musically, both as individuals and within a small group. Handful was founded to fill that gap in Bath.

From the outset we have covered an eclectic repertoire, from early to contemporary composers, close harmony to larger scale classical works whilst at the same time giving individuals opportunities to perform as soloists or in very small numbers. The Handful is earning a growing local reputation for high quality performance, reflecting the intention that we should be stretched musically, do constructive vocal work and grow as a choir. To this end we are extremely lucky to have Christopher Finch as our conductor and Musical Director , with his musicianship, passion and ambition for the choir.

Over a given twelve month period this our programming reflects these aims, with an average of 3-4 full scale concerts/events each year as well as smaller performances for special occasions, charities and so on.

Last year, 2010, was one of real achievement. We held 3 major concerts, plus a 20 minute slot at the opening night of the Bath Festival. The BBC awarded the Handful a Choral Ambition Award of £4,000 for an event on a larger scale than we had ever done. The mid summer concert was specifically targeted at promoting choral singing in the Bath area, giving young singers and instrumentalists in the area the opportunity to work alongside professional musicians. And our Musical Director, Christopher Finch, won the coveted BBC Choir of the Year award with the Wellensian Consort.

In 2011 we will hold at least three major concerts, starting on the 5th of March with one focussing on recent sacred works by English composers to be held at St Stephen's Church, Lansdown. Later this year we will perform in the Party in the City, in the Widcombe festival; in the autumn we will give a world premiere performance of a newly composed Requiem for chamber choir and piano, and will hold a Christmas concert in St. Swithuns Church, Bathford.

The Handful is always interested hearing from singers interested in joining the Choir: being a small group, the expectation is that suitable candidates would want to see if they fit the Choir and vice versa. Please contact by email: contact@ahandfulofsingers.org

As always we welcome feedback, ideas and suggestions on anything related to a Handful of Singers