We have evolved from the Rolleston Music Circle, founded as a gramophone society in 1962. This became the Rolleston and District Choral Society a year later, and we gave our first choral concert in 1964. By 1966 the two groups amalgamated into the Rolleston Music Circle & Choral Society – which is still our official name. The gramophone side ended in 1980, but the choral section has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Until 2015 we rehearsed at the Methodist Chapel in Rolleston. From April 2015 we started reheasing in the upstairs meeting room at The Spread Eagle pub in Rolleston.
Musical director
Sophie Hawthorn has sung in choirs from a young age and having studied Music at the University of Birmingham, she's had ample opportunity to sing with many talented choirs and groups. She brings with her 6+ years experience as a choral conductor. Previously a skilled music teacher offering nearly a decade's worth of experience as an educator, leader and performer. She has extensive experience of choirs and choral settings leading to a wide knowledge of repertoire from various genres. Sophie is keen to grow and inspire the choir!
Commenting on her appointment Sophie said, 'Being the musical director of a choir is a privilege: people entrust you with their love of making music in the hope that you bring out the best in them and engage them with music they can fall in love with. Whenever I work with a choir, I endeavour to achieve this through my expertise and my own love and extensive knowledge of choral singing. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to direct this choir, with a great respect for its longstanding history and place in the community.'