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ABERDEEN ORPHEUS CHOIR CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN THE NORTH EAST in 2026!

The Aberdeen Orpheus choir has been a major part of the choral music scene in Aberdeen since its inception in 1956. With a stunning combination of four part harmony voices, the ensemble have performed a hugely varied repertoire from Bach to the Beatles and from Rutter to Carly Simon. As Brian Livingstone, President of the Orpheus has indicated, the choir perform two concerts each year in the city, with additional charity events in Aberdeenshire. The programmes are designed to appeal to audiences as much as to singers, and the concerts regularly sell out. “Although the singers are all amateurs, we derive a huge amount of enjoyment from rehearsals as well as performing to enthusiastic and knowledgeable audiences. All our singers can read music but very few are pitch perfect so no one should be put off applying to join! “ (Janice Montgomery, Vice President)

This year marks not only the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Orpheus choir but the ensemble’s last year with Jane Murray as their Musical Director. For the last eighteen years, Jane has delighted audiences with beautifully selected programmes, has trained a whole generation of singers to musical excellence and has encouraged new and emerging North East talent by including guest instrumentalists in each concert - often as their first professional engagement. “The choir has been very fortunate indeed to perform alongside some of the best emerging talent not just from the North East but students from the Conservatoire in Glasgow. Recent soloists have included performers such as Jack Macdonald (piano), Emily Gow (flute) and Ryan Corbett (accordion) (BBC Radio 3 Emerging artist). Our concerts provide an opportunity to showcase wonderful choral music but also give young people an opportunity to perform alongside experienced and talented singers enhancing the experience for everyone concerned” (Jane Murray, Musical Director.)

As Musical Director, Jane Murray has honed the choir’s performances, providing musical guidance and encouragement. But her focus has not only been on striving for excellence.

She recognises the social and physical benefits of choral singing and attempts to ensure members enjoy every rehearsal and performance. Choir members have spoken of the immense benefits musical performance brings to the state of their mental health and physical wellbeing - of choir as a “safe space” where all are made incredibly welcome and find supportive community. “Even on dark winters’ nights, with the rain teeming down, it’s always worth turning up for the warmth of the welcome and the enjoyment of such beautiful music - and the laughter when it doesn’t go quite according to plan!” (Choir member)

Brian Livingstone: “We are very keen that our 70th anniversary year should be outstanding, not just to celebrate the contribution made by the choir to the cultural and musical life of the North East over such a long period, but also as a fitting tribute to the extraordinary musical leadership demonstrated by Jane Murray over the last two decades” Singers with a reasonable ability in reading music and who enjoy a wide range of choral styles are welcome to get in touch for a chat about joining the ensemble. ( Jane Murray, on 07967926758)

In the meantime, local people can look out for special concerts and events to celebrate the anniversary of the Aberdeen Orpheus choir.

Musical Director Jane Murray