History of the Choir

The choir was founded in 1996 by Philip Rossiter, Director of Music at Merchiston Castle School from 1985 until 2009.

Notices were circulated in the local area and among the School's parent body advertising for singers interested in forming a choir, with no-one knowing what would happen at the first ever meeting in September '96. But a large turn-out of singers showed that there was, indeed, a demand for such a venture, and since that first concert in November 1996, it has performed twice each year. 
 
Over this time, some members have left, and new ones joined. Some members have left for a period and then rejoined, whilst a significant number of the original membership have been loyal for the whole of the choir's existence! The choir currently has around 70 members.

Philip conducted the choir for the first 10 years, before handing over in 2006 to David Turner. Philip has since returned in 2019 to resume his role as conductor of the choir. In April 2022 Philip took the decision to retire from his involvement in the choir.

We are now delighted to welcome Tim Coleman as our new conductor and musical director to see us into the future as we return from a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic!

Dinners were held in 2006 and 2016 to mark the occasions of the choir's 10th and 20th birthdays!