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Belfast Philharmonic Choir to debut new chorus director James Grossmith

Belfast Philharmonic Choir
Belfast Philharmonic Choir Belfast Philharmonic Choir

THE Belfast Philharmonic Choir will round off its current season this weekend by staging its first concert under new chorus director James Grossmith.

The Choir will perform Bach’s B Minor Mass at Glenmachan Church of God in Belfast on Saturday June 10 at 7.45pm, accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra and five local soloists: Rebekah Coffey (Soprano I), Sarah Richmond (Soprano II), Carolyn Dobbin (Alto), Daryl Simpson (Tenor) and Ben McAteer (Bass).

James Grossmith
James Grossmith James Grossmith

The Belfast choral group had originally been preparing the piece for an Ulster Orchestra concert scheduled for spring 2020, before Covid restrictions forced a change of plan. James Grossmith  was appointed as its chorus director last summer 2022, taking up the role in November after eight years in Stockholm as principal chorus master of the Royal Swedish Opera.

“This concert marks the end of an exciting 22/23 Season in style," says Katherine Hanratty, chair of the Belfast Philharmonic Society, which runs Northern Ireland’s only symphonic choir.

"It’s an exciting piece for us, with beautiful, complex singing and it’s always a joy to be accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra.

"We’re delighted that this is the first concert we will perform under the baton of our new chorus director James Grossmith. It sets a high standard for us to achieve and we’re looking forward to what lies in the future for us under his artistic leadership.”

For further information and ticket links for the concert, visit belfastphilharmonic.org.uk