Thank you so much to @makingmusicuk.bsky.social for this honour. Kudos to our musical team @thomasleech.com and @kurisup.bsky.social for their thoughtful programming, and to our members for supporting them🎵🎶❤️ Hats off to all nominees and winners; great to hear everyone’s stories - so inspiring ⭐️

🎶 Messiah Mondays: Pamela Bowden (1925–2003) Rochdale-born contralto, Geneva winner, sang 750+ concerts incl. many Messiahs. Malcolm Arnold wrote for her! She sang in our 1956 Centenary Messiah at St George’s Hall, and we bring this masterpiece back on 15 Nov @bradford2025.co.uk @thomasleech.com

💛 Last weekend we were delighted to be part of the wonderful Saltaire Festival 🎶Next up, it’s your turn to sing! Our Come and Sing Messiah day is just 3 weeks away (Sat 11 October) — and we’d love you to add your voice. 👉 Book your place here: ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

3 weeks! 11 Oct: Beckfoot School, Bingley for one of our popular Come and Sing Workshops 🥳 🎶 Handel’s Messiah choruses under the expert guidance of our inspiring and energetic musical team @thomasleech.com Camaraderie, cake, choruses and maybe a few semi-quavers! Join us: ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

✨Delighted to be shortlisted for a 2025 Making Music Award for Diverse Programming 🎶 🙏 Thanks to our musical team @thomasleech.com and @kurisup.bsky.social for their thoughtful programming, to our supportive trustees, to our collaborators and to our members for embracing the music! 🎶

✨ Messiah Mondays ✨ In 1956, soprano Adrienne Cole starred in our Centenary Messiah at St George’s Hall, Bradford — a rising BBC Proms soloist and Messiah regular. We continue the tradition on 15 Nov 🎶 🎟️ Bradford Theatres or call 01274 432000

TOMORROW!! We’re back! We start our 169th season rehearsals in Clock House, Bradford Grammar School as we prepare for Handel’s Messiah on 15 November at St George’s Hall! Did you see us in yesterday’s YP with Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra?? 👀Look out for us in the T&A today 🎶 #yorkshire #bradford

✨ Messiah Mondays – from the archives ✨ In 1923, the Bradford Evening Argus praised our “brilliantly equipped” Messiah at St George’s Hall. 100+ years on, it still captivates. Join us 15 Nov for the magic! 🎶 🎟️ Book now via Bradford Theatres or call 01274 432000. #bradford @visitbradford.bsky.social

Our Chair + 2 trustees were in full colour at last night’s launch event for #SaltaireFestival 💜💙 📸They even sent pics to prove they were on brand ahead of our 13 Sep performance in Roberts Park: Choral Classics in the Park 🙏Thanks to the Saltaire Festival team for having us. See you in the park!

🎶 Rehearsals start next week and our new season is nearly here… but don’t miss this! 👀 📣 Join us Sat 11 Oct at Beckfoot School for a joyful Come and Sing day: Handel’s Messiah, led by our brilliant MD @thomasleech.com 🎟️ Book: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-yaxypkp Let’s raise the roof together!

🎶 One week to go! 🎶 Our new season starts Wed 3 Sept at Clock House, Bradford Grammar. 💛 Open Rehearsal: 10 Sept — or join us from Day 1! 🎵 Sing Handel’s Messiah with us this term. 📅 Wednesdays 7.30–9.30pm 👉 www.bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk/join-us #yorkshire @bradford2025.co.uk

📜 Messiah Mondays: A gem from 1955–56! Featuring Handel’s Messiah & a nostalgic ad from Woods The Music Shop—still fondly missed in Bradford. 💛 As we near our 170th season, we’re seeking sponsors to join our story. Interested? Email: [email protected]

🎶 Plan Ahead: Four Dates to Lift Your Spirits! 11 Oct – Come & Sing Messiah 15 Nov – Handel’s Messiah, St George’s Hall 20 Dec – A Yorkshire Christmas 21 Mar – Haydn’s The Creation ✨ Tickets starting to fly: 👉 www.bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk/forthcoming-...

Our Assistant MD @kurisup.bsky.social is a collaborative pianist, répétiteur, and conductor, working with orgs such as Opera North and the RNCM. 🩵Chris helps @thomasleech.com to ensure our rehearsals are musically ambitious, while welcoming and uplifting. 💛Join our Open Rehearsal on Wed 10 Sept!

🎶Calling Yorkshire Singers🎶 With our MD @thomasleech.com at the helm you’ll find our rehearsals positive, welcoming and uplifting, while also musically ambitious—perfect for both seasoned singers and those ready to be stretched. 📅 Open Rehearsal: Wed 10 Sep, Clock House, Bradford Grammar School

🎶 Sing with us this season in inspiring venues: ✨2 orchestral concerts at St George’s Hall ✨Christmas with brass in Price Hall ✨Summer finale at Skipton Town Hall ✨Weekly rehearsals in Clock House, Bradford Grammar School – with a Hockney view, great parking and a short walk from Frizinghall station

🎶 Love to sing? Join our 169th season! ✨ Perform Messiah & The Creation at St George’s Hall ✨ Celebrate Christmas in Price Hall Yorkshire-style ✨ End the year in Skipton Town Hall 💛 Inspiring rehearsals led by choral experts @thomasleech.com and @kurisup.bsky.social, superb concerts, a warm welcome

🎶 Calling all #singers! Join our Open Rehearsal Wed 10 Sept, 7.30pm @ Clock House, Bradford Grammar. Experience uplifting rehearsals, expert leadership @thomasleech.com @kurisup.bsky.social & the joy of singing Messiah with us in the magnificent St George's Hall. Free to try – just bring your voice!

✨ Messiah Mondays ✨ This week we’re sharing a Messiah vocal score and programme used in December 1884 by Maud Simpson, in a performance conducted by none other than Sir Charles Hallé at St George’s Hall. Imagine Maud holding this very copy as she sang her part almost 150 years ago!

Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of our new logo! The waveform in the design created by our voices saying our name together. Our merch is a symbol of pride and community spirit. Join us for our 169th season on stage or in the audience; rehearsals begin on 3 Sep 🎶❤️. Head to our website for more!

🎶 Love to sing? Join us for our Come & Sing Handel’s Messiah Workshop! 📅 Sat 11 Oct – Beckfoot School, Bingley Sing alongside our friendly choir, inspirational MD @thomasleech.com & expert musicians to explore choruses from Handel's glorious oratorio 🎟 Book now: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-yaxypkp

Since 1856, our choir has been giving back to the community. This season, our members donated 931kg of goods to help others. Support if you can: 📦 Donate food or money: bradfordnorth.foodbank.org.uk Rehearsals start 3 Sep; can't wait to see our singers and musical team! 🎶

🎶 Why do we sing? For the joy, the challenge, the connection. Join our classical choir with community spirit since 1856 as we prepare Handel’s Messiah. 📅 Rehearsals restart Wed 3 Sept 📍 Bradford Grammar School 🎵 All voices welcome 🔗 bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk @bradford2025.co.uk

🎼 Messiah Mondays Our 1932 Messiah soprano, Miss Stiles Allen, was praised for singing Rejoice Greatly in full—no coloratura shortcuts! She later taught a young Julie Andrews, who called her a “third mother.” ✨More Monday archive gems ahead of 15th November’s Messiah! @visitbradford.bsky.social

Happy Yorkshire Day! 🎶 Feast on some festive live music at our Christmas concert with Rothwell Temperance Band 🎶 It is not too early to book 🎟️ 💰Group offers & concessions, free tickets for u18s accompanied by an adult 🎵 🎄Kick off the final Christmas countdown in style - Yorkshire style!

🎵 Picture yourself with us in Nov enjoying our full pre-gig rehearsal? 🎶 Our expert musical team @thomasleech.com @kurisup.bsky.social and super members help those new or returning to singing to reach our high standards in friendly fast-paced rehearsals. 🎵We’re back singing Handel’s Messiah 3 Sep!

🎼 Messiah Mondays is here! After feedback from those enjoying our archives we’ll be sharing gems weekly up to our Messiah concert on 15 Nov. This week: a 1954 programme urging new singers to join the society—especially tenors and basses! 🎶We’re back on Wednesdays from 03 Sep; come and give us a try!

🎼From the Archives: Dr Reginald Jacques A guest conductor with BFCS and renowned leader of The Bach Choir (1932–60), he co-edited the first Carols for Choirs with David Willcocks. Known for grace and musical intelligence, he brought warmth and refinement to every performance. @bradford2025.co.uk

🎼 From the Archives: Sir David Willcocks A beloved BFCS guest conductor, captured here in our 1956–57 Centenary Programme. His Carols for Choirs legacy lives on every time we sing “O Come All Ye Faithful.” 🎄 Join us this Dec 20: ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs @bradfordmusicscene.bsky.social

🎶 From the Archives: We were recently gifted this incredible memento from our 60th Subscription Concert in 1924—a souvenir Messiah programme complete with a bound-in pocket vocal score! Next Messiah: 15 Nov in the magnificent St George’s Hall @thehalle.bsky.social @bradford2025.co.uk

🎼Sir Malcolm Sargent—our Principal Conductor 1925–51 and guest to at least 1956—guided us through war and into a golden era. “Flash Harry” led Handel's 'Messiah' with “too smart a tempo for applause!” His spirit lives on as we return to St George’s Hall for 'Messiah' on Nov 15! @bradford2025.co.uk

Listen to this programme about our sister choir Bradford Friendship Choir, which captures the beautiful place of welcome that has been carefully created and nurtured thanks to a very special team. We’re grateful to BBC Leeds for how they have supported the team. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

🎶After our 1932 'Messiah' conducted by legendary Dr. Malcolm Sargent, the press called the chorus “brilliant… almost organ-like” but a typo stole the show: a “fruitless trumpet obbligato” (don't worry it was faultless!) Read the full story: www.bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk/handel-messi...

📜 Join us on a journey through choir history! As we gear up for our 2025–26 season with Handel’s Messiah, we're diving into the Bradford Festival Choral Society archives. Stay tuned for concert programmes, press reviews, and choir life snippets since 1856. 🎶📖 #ChoirHistory #Bradford2025

🎶 Missing singing together since our summer concert! Join us from 3 Sept for Handel’s Messiah rehearsals at St George's Hall on 15 Nov. Come try a rehearsal at Clock House, Bradford Grammar School on Wednesdays 7:30–9:30pm. See you there! 💛🎶 #Bradford #Singing #Music #Rehearsals #ClassicalMusic

🎶 Our Summer Concert is tomorrow! 🗓 Sat 14 June, 6pm 📍 Bradford Cathedral Parry, Weir, Thorvaldsdottir, Vierne, Gray & more in a stunning setting. 🎟 Tickets on the door or online: 👉 www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs @bradfordmusicscene.bsky.social @bradford2025.co.uk

After a fantastic final rehearsal last night — and a flurry of ticket sales — we were down to just 12 tickets... so we've just released a new batch of tickets online! 🙌 Join us this Sat 14 Jun at 6pm at Bradford Cathedral for an evening of beautiful and uplifting music. www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

Join us this Saturday 14 June for a choral experience to uplift and delight at Bradford Cathedral 🎶 Full programme notes from MD @thomasleech.com are available + a reduction for younger guests. 🎟️Free for u18s / £5 concessions for students, u30s or low income. www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-yaxljjd

We're grateful for our non-singing volunteers who play a vital role in our choir's success! From family, friends, and community supporters helping with programme sales, bars, buffets, special guests, and other front of house. Thank you! We couldn't do it without you! 🤗👏📸 #VolunteerAppreciation

This week, we're celebrating our amazing volunteers who are essential to our choir's success. From setting up rehearsals to fundraising and much more, we couldn't do it without you! Thank you for your dedication and hard work. #VolunteerWeek #ThankYouVolunteers @bradford2025.co.uk

Join us for Echoes of Eternity concert on June 14 at 6pm at Bradford Cathedral 🎶Featuring choral and organ music spanning a thousand years under the baton of our inspirational MD @thomasleech.com with the talented Will Campbell playing the mighty organ. Join us! www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

Journey through time at our summer concert—ancient chants to stirring contemporary works at Bradford Cathedral. Revel in Parry’s majestic I was glad and Vierne’s soul-stirring Messe Solennelle. Tickets: £20 standard, £18 over 60s, £5 concessions, u18s free! ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs

Journey through time with us—from ancient chants to stirring contemporary works at Bradford Cathedral on Sat 14 Jun. Revel in Parry’s majestic I was glad and Vierne’s soul-stirring Messe Solennelle. Tickets: £20, £18, £5 concessions, u18s free: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs @visitbradford.bsky.social

Conducting Echoes of Eternity on 14 June at Bradford Cathedral is our inspirational MD @thomasleech.com who’s led us since 2008 with passion, skill & vision. An award-winning conductor & educator, he directs the acclaimed @dolmusic.bsky.social singing programme. www.ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-yaxljjd

🎹 Meet William Campbell – brilliant organist & rising star! Catch him live in Echoes of Eternity at Bradford Cathedral on 14 June 6pm, performing Vierne’s epic Messe Solennelle, Parry & more! 🎟️ Book: ticketsource.co.uk/bfcs/t-yaxljjd @bradford2025.co.uk @visitbradford.bsky.social

Join us at Bradford Cathedral on 14 June at 6pm for our Echoes of Eternity concert featuring music by Sir Hubert Parry. Experience the magic of I Was Glad and Blest Pair of Sirens and so much more. Tickets are selling fast, don't miss out! @bradford2025.co.uk @visitbradford.bsky.social

We have a strong tradition of performing Handel’s masterpiece; it was important to us to bring this music back to St George’s Hall in the City of Culture year. Get your tickets early from Bradford Theatres. Help us to keep the tradition alive inspiring #Bradford audiences for years to come!

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis this morning. Pope Francis often spoke of the power of music to uplift the spirit—especially his deep love for Mozart and Bach—and his life was marked by messages of compassion, unity, and care for one another. May he rest in peace.

Happy Easter! We polled our followers about their favourite parts of Handel’s Messiah, with ‘And he shall purify’ coming out on top! Share your favourite parts with us. Join us on 15 Nov for a moving performance at St George's Hall! @bradford2025.co.uk @bradfordmusicscene.bsky.social