GCC was born in 1980, as a result of a conversation between local businessman Richard Fox and musician John Bawden. John became the choir's first conductor and the pair managed to recruit seventeen singers; professionals, semi-professionals and experienced amateurs for that first concert.
Even during his final illness in 2023, Richard had been singing with us, and continuing to organise our annual Cathedral trips with his meticulous eye for detail. Richard was involved with all sorts of local organisations, and his love of walking will be enjoyed by those who find themselves on the "Fox Way", a 39 mile circular walk centred on Guildford. A generous and kind man, he is hugely missed.
Half a Lifetime Singing with the GCC
by Peter Terry (founding member)
When I was asked to write a few words about Guildford Chamber Choir and what it has meant to me over the years, I struggled to know where to begin. There has been such a wealth of memories since Richard Fox invited seventeen of us to perform in the first concert in June 1980. My late wife, Ingrid, was also a founder member as is Diana, our current Chair. Apart from Richard we are the only original singers still in the choir although John Bawden, our conductor for that first concert, now sings with us regularly. Richard and John are responsible for so much of our enjoyment over the years - and for my longevity!
Read more
John Bawden conducts a rehearsal for our Inaugural Concert in June 1980. Photograph from the Surrey Advertiser.
Peter Wright's final concert after 11 years as Principal Conductor. February 1994.
We sang Bach's St. John Passion with soloists (not shown) Elizabeth Coupe (soprano), Mervyn Collins as the Evangelist and Simon Deller as Christus.
Applause for our last concert of 2020 - Bach's St Matthew Passion with Max Barley in March.
Some of our previous conductors:
L to R - John Bawden, Peter Wright, Stephen Farr, Philip Moore, Sebastian Forbes.
On tour in Tuscany June 2007
Our three tenors! Jong Chong, David Pallett and Michael Clarke
GCC walkers, friends and family in 2004
Our first open workshop in St Mary's church 2012
Southwark Cathedral 2006
Simon Phillips conducting the men in a Schubert part song - summer soiree June 2005
St George's Chapel, Windsor 2002
A Christmas Gala Concert in aid of Halow. December 2016
The choir after rehearsing for the summer concert in Old Woking. 2016.
GCC sing the Sunday services at Westminster Abbey. April 2019
Singing in St Catherine's School Chapel. 2009
Mass in Blue at St Catherine's School, Bramley with Steven Grahl, the Will Todd trio and Bethany Halliday (soprano). May 2012.
On the steps at Holy Trinity church with our new Principal Conductor, Max Barley. November 2018
June 2019: Our summer concert and party in the United Reformed Church.
Jeremy Summerly rehearses the choir for the Silver Jubliee concert of Handel's Israel in Egypt. 19th November 2005
Summer concert in Watts Gallery with Steven Grahl conducting. 2015
On tour in Krakow, Poland. 2005
GCC in the Entrance Hall of Loseley House 2001
Our concert in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland 2005
Final dinner - Krakow 2005
Waiting in the wings before our concert with Jeremy Summerley - March 2018
Café culture - off duty in Krakow 2005
Enjoying Klezmer music in Krakow 2005
In the cloister of Salisbury Cathedral 2007
Choir tour to Caen 1992
Winchester Cathedral 2017
Party to mark Steven's 10 years as Principal Conductor after the summer concert at St Peter's church, Old Woking 2016
Rehearsing in Queen Eleanor's School
Steven Grahl conducts the final rehearsal for our 2017 summer concert in the United Reformed Church
Watts Gallery Christmas Carols 2017 with Sebastian Forbes
Rehearsing for The Creation - with the Occam Singers and Surrey Mozart Players, May 2018
St Peter's, Old Woking - the summer concert in 2016.
Max Barley at the rehearsal for the Italian Baroque concert St Nicolas's Church, March 2019
Chichester cathedral 2008
Chichester Cathedral 2018
Steven Grahl, Chairman Jim Godwin and Joanna Phillips cutting the cake at our 30th anniversary party
Another of Jim's talents!
Watts Gallery Summer concert 2015
Krakow 2005
The Drawing Room at Loseley House, September 1999
Steven Grahl in Rouen with refreshments... 2017
In Ypres after singing at the Menin Gate. 2015
Our performance of ‘Deborah’ in 1999
Co-founder Richard Fox washing up after a choir party!
A bad hair day at rehearsal for a summer soiree at St Catherine's School, Bramley. June 2007