A triple celebration of the Harrow Choral Society begins this September.

Not only is the 100-strong choir marking the 80th anniversary of its foundation in 1937, but also 25 successful years under current music director Simon Williams.

Completing the hat trick of anniversaries, 2017 also marks 20 years since the foundation of the choral society’s award-winning training choir Singing for Starters.

Established by Mr Williams, Singing for Starters offers a supportive introduction for new singers and a confidence-boosting refresher course for “returners”.

Members follow a one-year course of tuition designed to develop their skills in music reading, vocal technique and the other basics of singing with a classical choir. At the end of the course, members are invited to rehearse with the main choir for a few weeks before formally applying to join.

Rehearsals for both the main choir and Singing for Starters are held on Monday evenings in St Alban’s Church, North Harrow, from 7.45pm, with the new term starting on September 5.  

The coming season promises to be a busy yet rewarding one for Harrow’s longest-established choir.

A highlight of the season will be a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the historic and highly atmospheric setting of Harrow School on April 1.

The choral society aims to perform major choral works to the highest possible standard, and each year its three concerts attract an enthusiastic and loyal audience. Regular away dates and tours allow the choir to perform to audiences across the UK and abroad.