Collegium Musicum Of London Chamber Choir

It’s 1972: Apollo 17 touches down on the moon, UK prime minister Edward Heath declares a state of emergency as the miners go on strike, and an ambitious and innovative conductor, charismatic Hungarian émigré László Heltay, establishes Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir.

It would be difficult to overestimate Heltay’s influence over generations of choral singers and conductors the world over, and this November the choir he formed celebrates its 50th year with an anniversary concert dedicated to Heltay’s memory.

Works in praise of St Cecilia, the patron saint of music and musicians, by William Byrd, Henry Purcell, Benjamin Britten – and a piece specially commissioned by the choir for the occasion from leading choral composer David Bednall – will make up an eclectic programme featuring one of the capital’s leading choral ensembles and a host of top-flight instrumentalists and soloists.

Collegium Musicum of London Chamber Choir and Players will be conducted, with his customary zeal and poise by the choir’s current musical director Greg Morris.