The
Downland Chorale is a mixed voice choir based in Old Coulsdon,
Surrey. 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's Church,
Old Coulsdon was selected which led to another name change,
this time to the Downland Chorale.
Today
the choir rehearses at St. John the Evangelist church in Old,
Coulsdon. This delightful venue is located by the village
green and provides a tranquil location for our rehearsals
and regular concerts.
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