About Us

The Downland Chorale is a mixed voice choir based in Old Coulsdon, Surrey.

Past

The choir was formed under the name Singing for Pleasure in 1974 when Gordon Bull, who was then organist at Purley United Reformed Church, decided to augment the church choir to give a concert. A wide variety of works were performed over the next five years including a concert version of Carmen and works by Edward German and Lionel Monckton. Two concerts a year were given, with the aim to raise money for charity. The final performance of this era was Judas Maccabeus by Handel, in which seventy choir members took part.

A new name Purley Philharmonic Society was given to the choir in 1980.

In 1989, Nicholas Houghton became Music Director and shortly afterwards, a new rehearsal venue was sought. St. John the Evangelist Church, Old Coulsdon was selected which led to another name change, this time to the Downland Chorale.

Present

The Choir still meets for rehearsals at St. John's Church in Old Coulsdon

Future

We look forward to a continuing programme of rehearsals and concerts.