North Downs Consort
North Downs Consort is a chamber choir with members drawn from across Surrey, Kent, and South London. Committed to a high standard of performance, we enjoy exploring a wide range of choral repertoire alongside much-loved classical works.
We are a welcoming and friendly choir, united by a shared passion for choral music and a commitment to musical excellence.
We are a welcoming and friendly choir, united by a shared passion for choral music and a commitment to musical excellence.
History
The choir was founded in 1977 by Brian Allaker as the Allaker Consort, a chamber choir of up to 30 voices. Originally, the ensemble focused on lesser-known liturgical works, primarily performed a cappella or with organ accompaniment.
Over the years, the choir has developed a broad and varied repertoire encompassing many styles of choral music — from part-songs and intimate chamber works to major choral compositions with orchestra — spanning music from the Renaissance to the present day.
In 1998, the choir adopted its current name, The North Downs Consort. In 2010, Paul Provost became only the fourth Music Director in the choir’s 30-year history, continuing its tradition of musical excellence. In January 2019, Iain Cooper joined the Consort as Music Director, bringing fresh energy and inspiration to the choir.
The North Downs Consort is a registered charity and is affiliated with Making Music, the national organisation supporting amateur vocal and instrumental groups throughout the UK.
Over the years, the choir has developed a broad and varied repertoire encompassing many styles of choral music — from part-songs and intimate chamber works to major choral compositions with orchestra — spanning music from the Renaissance to the present day.
In 1998, the choir adopted its current name, The North Downs Consort. In 2010, Paul Provost became only the fourth Music Director in the choir’s 30-year history, continuing its tradition of musical excellence. In January 2019, Iain Cooper joined the Consort as Music Director, bringing fresh energy and inspiration to the choir.
The North Downs Consort is a registered charity and is affiliated with Making Music, the national organisation supporting amateur vocal and instrumental groups throughout the UK.