Based in Atherstone near Nuneaton in North Warwickshire, Atherstone Choral Society CIO is a large choir drawing its members not only from Atherstone but from a wide geographical area including Nuneaton in Warwickshire, Hinckley in Leicestershire, and Tamworth in Staffordshire. In 2024 we will celebrate our 50th anniversary with a special concert in November when we will sing The Messiah at St Mary’s Church in Atherstone, which was the very first concert and venue where we performed back in 1974!
There is also a local connection with Handel. In St Mary’s Church in Congerstone near Market Bosworth, there is a beautiful stained glass window depicting Handel, commissioned by Mr and Mrs G Frisby, who often stayed in nearby Gopsall Hall owned by his friend Charles Jennens. Handel also designed an organ for Jennens, which was built by Thomas Parker. More information and history about Congerstone Church and Gopsall Hall & Temple can be found at http://congerstonevillage.co.uk/gopsall-hall/
The choir aims to prepare four new concerts each year. Variety is the spice of life, so two (Spring and Autumn usually) are based around one or two well-known pieces from different musical periods. At Christmas we combine the seasonal story with a more secular celebratory tone while the Summer concert is usually a selection of lighter and more modern music. Details of our future concerts can be seen by clicking on the information at the foot of the page or on the concerts page.
ACS is happy to welcome new members whether novices or experienced singers. For more information see Join Our Choir
Musical Director
Our musical Director is Kevin Gill GBSM, FRCO, LTCL
Kevin was born and educated in North Yorkshire.
He studied music at the Birmingham School of Music (now Royal Birmingham Conservatoire).
He was appointed as MD of ACS in January 2008, and the choir has flourished under his expertise. He taught at Birmingham School of Acting for 25 years and retired as organist and choirmaster at St James The Great, Shirley in 2021 after 34 years. Kevin has worked as rehearsal pianist for several groups, including CBSO adult and youth choruses, but is presently accompanist for BFCS (Birmingham Festival Choral Society), with whom he has been on several tours both at home and abroad. He is also a music teacher and examiner.
Accompanist / Arranger
Our accompanist is Robert Ramskill M Mus, PhD.
Bob was born in Leeds and studied music at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
He now lives in Coventry where, for many years, he was a senior lecturer in Coventry University Music Department.
Bob became our accompanist in 1994 and arranges much of the music for ACS, gaining a well-earned reputation for its excellence. He also has his own YouTube channel! In 2019 we celebrated Bob’s 25th year with ACS, presenting him with a special gift. In 2024, as well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of ACS, the choir also celebrates Bob’s 30th anniversary as our accompanist.