The Chorus started in 1963 under the baton of Tom Duncan as the Holy Trinity Augmented Choir, drawing on town and university, both students and staff, for its membership. In 1977, in conjunction with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and under the leadership of John Tunnell, it was renamed 'The St Andrews Chorus'. We have enjoyed the expertise of many excellent conductors and accompanists over the years and we welcomed Michael Downes as Musical Director in 2009. The Chorus was reconstituted in 1995 more formally as a Choral Society and we are proud that we are a true 'town and gown' choir.
As part of our 40th Anniversary celebrations in 2017 we asked Paul Mealor to become our first Honorary Patron. Paul is perhaps best known for a performance of his Motet, Ubi Caritas, at the Royal Wedding Ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton (now TRH The Prince & Princess of Wales) at Westminster Abbey. Another St Andrews connection, with both William and Kate being alumni of the University. The Chorus have performed four of Paul Mealor's works.: Stabat Mater, Cruxificus, A Welsh Prayer, and In Paradisum which was written for and premiered by the Chorus on 26th November 2022..
St Andrews Chorus has been a registered Scottish charity since 13 October 1995 (SC025432) and our principal charitable objective is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of choral music by giving regular performances of choral works. We also sponsor a number of Choral Scholars from the student members through financial support for vocal training.