About us

We are a small, friendly, vocal ensemble who meet in central Exeter. We enjoy the interaction of small group singing . We are keen to expand to around 16-24 singers. Come and try us out!

Exeter Chorale was established in 2000 by Arthur Bending. Under Arthur the choir performed mainly popular works. John Byrt, a specialist in early and baroque music took over in 2004 and the choir became known for singing material from the 15th-17th centuries. John was succeeded by Nigel Browne, musicologist and organist, and our repertoire expanded again.Simon Dunbavand was our director from 2017-2019 exploring south american church music from 15 and 16th century. John Draisey has assisted us during 2022 as guest conductor for In Praise of London - a suite by John Byrt.

Our new music Director as of 31st October 2022 is professional singer and voice coach and choir leader Margaret Aagesen Hughes. We have explored new repertoire by 20th century and contemporary composers Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten, Taverner, Beryl Price, Peter Nickol, Annabel McLaughlin Rooney, Andrew Wilson.

Current Singers

Soprano

Liz Russell

Sheila Underwood

Jackie Hatton

Guest singers Judy Reeve, Catherine, Mary Carpenter, Sarah Rimmington.

Alto

Katherine Moore

Jill Green

Deborah Hamilton

Lisa Hebbard

Tenor

Jo Farquharson

Stephen Toogood

Bass

Patrick Peglar

Malcolm Hamilton

Will Hatton

Accompanist Lisa Hebbard

Music director Margaret Aagesen Hughes

Photograph from Sidholme music room at Sidmouth 2018.

From the beginning EC has been a small intimate chamber choir, from 8-16 singers, augmented by guest singers for concerts and performing music from around the 14th Century to the present, religious as well as secular, a cappella (motets, madrigals etc) and accompanied by instrumentalists with soloists.

We practice on Monday nights at St. Michael's Church, Mount Dinham, Exeter from 7.30pm.