The Early Beginnings and Onwards

Felling Concert Choir began life as Felling and District Gilbert & Sullivan Society under the musical directorship of Bill Marley.

The aim of the Society was to present complete performances of G & S operettas.

In 2004, it was decided to cease performing complete Gilbert & Sullivan works. At this stage, the name of the Society was changed to Felling Concert Choir to reflect the new direction.

Mixed and Varied Music

With a new name and change in direction, the Choir evolved a wide and varied repertoire for concerts. It includes music from the ballads, classics, folk, jazz, musicals, sacred, shows and spirituals, as well as modern arrangements. The Choir, also, remains faithful to G & S with numbers being included in concert programmes.

Normally, the Choir would perform between 3 to 5 concerts each year and supports various local charities.

Recent Years

Like many choirs in the region and nationally, members have declined, particularly after Covid. 

Our members come from many parts of the North East of England, including Felling, County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle and Sunderland.

The Choir is still actively looking to recruit new members.

Felling Concert Choir is a member of the National Association of Choirs, North East, and took part in concerts at the Sage in 2015 and 2016.

Our Music Team

Elaine Marley took over as Musical Director and Conductor in 2005.

She has been a member of the Choir since its formation. A regular prize-winning soprano at music festivals, her singing has encompassed work with local operatic societies, solo work work in oratorios and, for fifteen years, as a distinguished principal soloist with Northern Opera Limited. She was also a founder member of the Chester Singers who, for many years, presented programmes of light music to a wide audience.

Philip Chapman has been the choir accompanist since 1994. He is also accompanist at Felling Methodist Church. Many soloists, including Graeme Danby and students from the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester have been accompanied by him.