Bradford Festival Choral Society is one of Yorkshire’s longest-established and largest amateur classical choirs, bringing together around 140 singers from across Bradford, Leeds, Airedale, Wharfedale, Kirklees, Calderdale and beyond. Since 1856, we have performed the great choral masterpieces alongside contemporary works, regularly collaborating with professional orchestras, soloists and conductors in concert halls, churches and performance venues across Yorkshire.
Alongside high-quality music-making, we remain committed to being a choir with genuine community spirit. We invest in our members and the wider community through vocal coaching, enjoyable rehearsals, Come and Sing events and initiatives that help more people experience the joy of choral singing.
At a glance
- Founded: 1856
- Members: Around 140 singers
- Repertoire: Classical choral music from Baroque to contemporary
- Collaborations: Professional orchestras, soloists and guest artists
- Performances: Including St George’s Hall Bradford and venues across Yorkshire
- Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings (term time)
The choir performs at least four concerts each year, working regularly with professional soloists, orchestras and specialist ensembles in repertoire ranging from large-scale choral classics to contemporary music and historically informed performance. Throughout its history, BFCS has worked with distinguished musicians including Edward Elgar, Charles Villiers Stanford, Charles Hallé, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Sir David Willcocks, Richard Hickox, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and John Rutter.
Under the musical leadership of Thomas Leech since 2008, BFCS has continued to expand its repertoire and artistic partnerships while maintaining a strong commitment to the choral tradition. Recent performances have included music by Reena Esmail, Kerry Andrew, Roxanna Panufnik, Will Todd, Ēriks Ešenvalds and Howard Goodall alongside works by Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Vivaldi, Charpentier, Monteverdi and Verdi.
BFCS performs regularly in concert halls, churches and performance venues across Yorkshire, including an annual appearance at St George’s Hall, Bradford as part of the Bradford Theatres Orchestral Season with Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.
Musical ambition and community spirit
We believe great music and a welcoming atmosphere belong together. Our members include experienced choral singers, musicians returning after a break, and people developing their skills through regular rehearsal and performance. We work hard, support one another and enjoy creating memorable musical experiences for audiences across Yorkshire.
BFCS is committed to diverse and inclusive programming and to widening participation in choral music through community partnerships, workshops, Learn to Sing courses and the Bradford Friendship Choir, which forms part of the Society’s wider charitable and community activity.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the choir maintained weekly rehearsals online and created a series of virtual choir projects, including a complete digital performance of Haydn’s Nelson Mass with orchestra and soloists.
BFCS’s work has received regional and national recognition, including the 2025 Making Music Award for Diverse Programming and a shortlist nomination for the Royal Philharmonic Society Inspiration Award. Read more in our Press & Accolades section.
Whether you are an experienced singer looking for a welcoming classical choir, someone discovering live classical music for the first time, or a supporter who shares our belief in the power of music to bring people together, we would be delighted to welcome you at our rehearsals or our concerts.
There’s something magical about hearing months of work come together in performance with professional orchestras and soloists, many of whom perform regularly with Opera North. Sara, Second Soprano.
