EMVC History

The Choir was founded in 1983 by Sam Simons, with Nigel Brooks, the notable composer, arranger and broadcaster, as Musical Director. Nigel was succeeded by Martin Stuart in 1988.

Early rehearsals (with about 6 initial respondees to an advert placed by Sam in the local Epsom paper) were at Rosebery School in Epsom.   Growing numbers led to an agreement with the landlord of the Rising Sun  in Heathcote Road for regular Wednesday night practices at the pub.  A later move took us to the United Reformed Church Hall in Ewell, and the Hall has been our home since.

Neil MacKay became MD in 1995.  Membership has continued to increase (currently to just under 60) and our repertoire has extended to nearly 250 pieces.

In Autumn 2009, we were delighted to welcome Juliet Hornby as our Deputy MD.   Juliet conducted the Choir very successfully in our 2010 Annual Concert at the Epsom Playhouse, and will continue to work with the Choir in support of Neil.

A page of historic Choir photos can be found here.  A page of Programme covers from past performances is linked here.

Milestone performances are listed on the “Performances” page. In addition to concerts, the Choir undertakes civic duties in Epsom & Ewell, participates in massed male voice concerts and supports the Royal Marsden Hospital in its “Celebration of Life” service at Christmas.

In 2004, the Choir made its first visit to Epsom’s twin town, Chantilly in France. We were warmly welcomed by the townspeople and gave 4 concerts. We have since visited Chantilly in 2006 and 2008 and look forward to future occasions.

In late 2010, we participated with great success in the first ever "Choir-Oke" concert organised in Crawley, alongside choirs from across Surrey and Sussex.

In Spring 2011, we made our first trip to the biennial Cornwall International Male Voice Choir Festival where we gave several performances while enjoying Cornish hospitality and the pleasure of hearing (other) excellent choirs from around the world.
  

© Epsom Male Voice Choir