ABOUT DURHAM UNIVERSITY CHORAL SOCIETY
One of the oldest societies at Durham University, Durham University Choral Society, has been performing for nearly seventy years. Every year its members perform in a variety of concerts at iconic venues such as Durham Cathedral, with quality accompaniment from fellow Durham student musicians (such as the Durham University Palatinate Orchestra). Experienced singers in the society receive many opportunities for solos and smaller ensemble singing, and the society is proud of its range of talent.
The society prides itself on being friendly and welcoming to new members.
MEET THE EXEC
2019/2020
JONATHANÂ ATPUTHARATNAM
President
Coming from a choral background at school, Choral Society felt right at home for me. However, the opportunity to sing in such a large choir was something completely new to me, and something I quickly found out that I really enjoyed!
Choral Society has given me some of my favourite moments of my degree, singing in Durham Cathedral being a personal favourite. We use the beautiful Chapter House (the location used as McGonagall’s office in Harry Potter!) as our green room! Hearing the blend of over 70 voices coming together and echoing down the nave is an unforgettable thing to be involved in. So if you enjoy singing and want a unique choral experience audition for Choral Society!
KATY MOORHOUSE
Vice-President
My role within DUCS has two parts to it! Firstly, I’m there to help the president with the running of the choir and all the other busy things presidents do.
Secondly, I’m responsible for sponsorship applications and managing our choir patrons. My favourite moment so far in DUCS has either been singing the Once in Royal solo (well, trio as it was) in the cathedral for the university Carol service or being part of the amazing concert that involved lots of Parry and Stanford, and included a very special guest: Prince Charles!
CHARLIE LEESON
Secretary
Having been involved in choral singing since I was seven, DUCS gave me the opportunity to continue my love of singing in a choir unlike any other I had ever been a part of. We get the chance to perform a lot of repertoire out of reach for many other choirs, and it’s all done within an incredibly welcoming space with some of the friendliest people I’ve met since starting at Durham. As Secretary this year, I’m looking forward to another incredible year of music-making and helping to run one of Durham’s largest and oldest musical societies. If you even have a vague interest in choral singing, I definitely recommend auditioning. You won’t regret it!
KASIA GLANCEY
Librarian
DUCS first appealed to me because it gives students the opportunity to sing large-scale works. I can safely say that I haven’t been disappointed and would urge everyone to join this wonderful choir! Besides singing great choral music you meet people from lots of different subjects and musical backgrounds, and work with some fantastic musicians and ensembles on exciting projects.
My favourite moment so far has to be singing at the DICCU Carol Service. Durham Cathedral was filled almost beyond its capacity, it was such a special experience to be singing with so many people. I have also particularly enjoyed participating in our outreach work, such as singing carols in Durham Prison. I’m really looking forward to singing with DUCS again this year and as the Librarian I know we have some brilliant music planned too, so audition for DUCS!
MAGGIE BRIGGS
Concert Manager
I can’t remember when I wasn’t in a choir- and hopefully that will never change! Choirs have always been a friendly, inclusive environment full of people who all share a passion for singing. I joined DUCS because I wanted to continue singing incredible works such as Britten’s St Nicholas, which we did last Michaelmas. I think my absolute favourite memory of last year was singing a short solo passage from Poulenc’s Litanies a la Vierge Noir in the cathedral- having such a supportive group of people behind me was such a thrill, more so than the venue itself! This year I am Concert Manager, which means I am responsible for organising the logistics of every concert we have this year, and making sure everyone knows where they are meant to be standing. It sounds easy, but I’ve learnt to never judge a book by its cover! Looking froward to seeing everyone at first rehearsal!
MATTHEW PRUDMAN
Social Secretary
I’m Matthew, a 3rd year Classics student from Bolton at St Chad’s. My experience with DUCS has been utterly fantastic so far: within three weeks I was performing for Prince Charles in the Cathedral, and in one and a half years I’ve ticked off venues like the Gala Theatre and performing at the magical Christmas event in the Cathedral.Â
In my role as Social Secretary, I bring the best biscuits every week for break time and organise socials – if there are to be great performances, people need to get to know each other and socials are an integral part of the DUCS.
I can’t wait to meet you all and supply you with biscuits in October!
GINA VONG
Treasurer
I always did so much music at home; there wasn’t a day of the week where I didn’t have at least one rehearsal. I still miss the 08:30 before-school choir rehearsals that woke me up and put me in a good mood for the day. A lot of the music I did was singing, from duets to chamber choirs to large choirs of over 80 people.
DUCS is the largest choir in Durham. This means we can do the bigger works in some of the most stunning venues in Durham. Being in such a large choir also lets you get to know people from across the university and make friends with people you normally wouldn’t come into contact with.
TONYA ALBAN
Publicity Officer
As publicity officer I am in charge of publicising DUCS' concerts held throughout the year which involves designing the posters as well as maintaining our social media sites (including building this website).Â
I have enjoyed being in DUCS more than I could possibly have imagined. The feeling when the choir sings together in spaces like the cathedral is incomparable.
