ABOUT US

 

The Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers made a significant contribution to the musical and social life of North Staffordshire between 1945 and 2005.

Over 60 years the choir built an enviable reputation for a uniqueness of tone, the highest standards of ‘a capella’ singing and for their innovative concert programmes. 

Named after the Methodist chapel in Bedford Road, Shelton, where they were formed “the Bedfords” regularly brought home trophies from national and international competitions.  In the ‘50s and ‘60s, as a ladies choir only, they were particularly successful at Llangollen International Eisteddfod, winning ‘podium places’ on ten occasions, including four first prizes.    

From 1964 the choir sang as a mixed voice ensemble and competed successfully at the Cork International Choral Festival, the Teesside International Eisteddfod, the Eisteddfodau at Cardigan and Pontrhydfendigaid, and in the BBC choral contest Let the People Sing.

For 39 years from 1966, the choir and its founder-conductor May Walley expanded their repertoire – and their audience’s experience – with their annual Penkhull Festival of Music.  This opened up the musical horizon in the Potteries.  It introduced new and rarely performed works as well as a host of distinguished young musicians, many of whom appeared in performances with the choir.

Apart from the regular concerts which the Bedford Singers gave in and around Stoke-on-Trent, they were also invited to appear in venues across the UK, including St John’s Smith Square, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southwark Cathedral and York Minster.   The choir also participated in an exchange link with the Rintelner Madrigalchor in Germany for a number of years.

The success and reputation of the choir were founded on the imagination and commitment of their founder-conductor.  May Walley consistently inspired in her choristers an adherence to high musical standards and a diligent approach that characterised her own attitudes.   For her services to music in the Potteries she was awarded an MBE in 1981.