About us

The present Shrewsbury Choral Society was founded over 65 years ago in 1941, though it has its roots in a much older tradition of choral singing in the town. These days we have upwards of 100 members and perform works from a wide choral repertoire, normally presenting four concerts a year usually with professional soloists

Recently performed works include Dvorak's Stabat Mater, Finzi's Intimations of Immortality, Handel's' Messiah, Purcell's Come Ye Son's of Art, Rutter's Gloria and Requiem, Vaughan Williams's Five Mystical Songs, Vivaldi's Gloria and Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. We also occasionally host choral workshops such as 2004's two very successful events the 'Come and Sing! day with John Rutter and the 'scratch' Messiah.

The Society appointed Martin Schellenberg as Conductor and Musical Director in September 2006.

Martin Schellenberg was born in England and educated in Birmingham. After graduating he continued his organ studies in Paris and then held appointments at Bristol Cathedral, Christchurch Priory and Oxford University. He has studied conducting with Harold Gray, Louis Fremaux , George Hurst and Bryden Thomson.

Whilst in Bristol, Martin was Assistant Conductor and Accompanist of Bristol and Bath Choral Societies and the Cathedral Special Choir. During his time in Dorset he was musical director of the Rilstone Singers (an all-female group) and formed the Christchurch Chamber Consort (a group of semi-professional musicians performing music from the Renaissance to the present day, who performed regularly with with top orchestra and organists).

Martin has conducted concerts and given recitals to critical acclaim at notable cathedrals, churches and concert halls throughout Europe and the USA. His recordings, radio and television appearances as conductor and organist have received many favourable reviews and he has appeared on BBC Television and Radio, Classic FM and numerous local radio and television stations. As a conductor, Martin is well-known for his wide ranging versatility, has directed many leading choirs and orchestras and is recognised as a highly creative choral and orchestral conductor.

Martin enjoyed a busy freelance career until in 2002 when he became Director of Music at Abberley Hall, a prestigious independent school in Worcestershire with a vibrant music department. Martin continues to conduct and give organ concerts as and when his school timetable allows and is delighted to have been appointed Conductor and Music Director of the Shrewsbury Choral Society.

The Diamond Years 1941 -2006: a Chronicle of Shrewsbury Choral Society is a new publication by Dave Jones, librarian from 1991-2005. It concentrates on the period 1941-2006 but also includes fascinating information from Shropshire Archives about choral music in Shropshire from 1772. It is available to buy, price £5, from Dave Jones (pictured left), 13 Dounton Close, Shrewsbury SY1 4LY. Tel 01743 465725

Unfortunately, due to gremlins in the printing of The Diamond Years, one page (years 1989-1990) was missed completely and part of another (years 2005-2006) missed the final paragraphs. One other glaring mistake appears in the list of Accompanists where David Grundy is credited with service between 1901-2005. This, of course, should be 2001-2005. Replacement pages can be downloaded in Word format 1989-1990 and 2005-2006