The Choirs of St Ann’s

Music and liturgy are inextricably linked, and here at St Ann’s there is a long tradition of fine music, both in and out of worship.

The current mixed voice choir was re-formed in 1978 by the then newly appointed Director of Music, Ronald Frost. Since then the choir has gone from strength to strength, singing for broadcasts on radio and television, concerts, cathedral services, RSCM Festivals and Celebration days, in addition to the choir’s weekly role in the life of the church.

At present there are over 40 members of the choir, singing for the two main Sunday services: Sung Eucharist at 10.45am and Choral Evensong at 6.30pm. Members come from a variety of backgrounds ranging from a passing interest in choral singing to students of music at the universities of Manchester. 12 members are under the age of 18, and each follow the RSCM programmes of study for young choristers, many achieving their Bishops Award (or Silver Award) early in their development as choristers. 5 are currently members of the RSCM Northern Cathedral Singers and regularly attend courses singing for services in cathedrals across the country.

In addition to the parish choir, a nucleus of 30 members provides the foundation for the St Ann’s Singers, a choir that sings regularly for concerts in and around Manchester. The opportunity to join this choir is open to any adult member of the parish choir. Recent concerts saw performances of the Mozart and Fauré Requiems, Edward Bairstow’s anthem ‘Blessed City, Heavenly Salem’ and Elgar’s ‘The Spirit of the Lord’ from the Twelve Apostles.

Both choirs are under the direction of Ronald Frost, who was recently made a Fellow of the RSCM. We are constantly looking for new members who are prepared to work hard to further their ability and commit to the life of a busy parish choir.