A NEW choir is about to burst into song in Somerset.

Chorale21 aims to bridge the gap between a choral society and small chamber choir.

The medium-sized choir, made up of around 40 singers, will rehearse in Glastonbury, singing a diverse repertoire spanning from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

A first concert is already planned for April 2025 at St John’s in Glastonbury, and include James Whitbourn’s moving Requiem Canticorum.

Written in 2010, and accompanied by organ and saxophone, the warm, lyrical piece is typical of some of the undiscovered music that Chorale21 will champion.

Aimed at singers with some experience, Chorale21 will be directed by Matthew Redman.

Matthew is director of music at St John’s, often plays the organ at Wells Cathedral and is well known as a choral conductor.

His rehearsals are aimed at being animated, ground in solid musical understanding, yet fun and uplifting.

“I am very excited to be leading this new choir; there is so much music out there waiting to be heard,” he said.

“Of course we will sing some tried and tested favourites as well, but Chorale21 will always include something written this century in every performance.”

As a choir for the 21st century, Chorale21 will be unusual in being ‘Bitcoin friendly’, which means that members can pay their subs in that format, should they wish to, he added.

Chorale21’s first event is a ‘Come and Sing Handel’s Messiah’ (the choruses) gathering, which will be held on Saturday, November 23, in the Catholic Church Community Hall, Cheddar.

Details of how to sign up for this along with concert plans for 2025 can be found on the Chorale21 website at www.chorale21.org.uk, or by sending an email to info@chorale21.org.uk.

Space is limited, so people are urged to book now to avoid disappointment.