A POPULAR Trowbridge-based choir has reinvented itself for the first time in over 100 years.

Trowbridge Chorus, formerly known as The Trowbridge Philharmonic Choral Society since its inception 110 years ago, has been given a new look and is encouraging keen singers in the area to join up.

To celebrate the choir has organised a new style of concert to be held at Holy Trinity on Saturday, May 13.

Choir director Ruth McKibbin, an Australian soprano and choral conductor who holds a BA (Hons) degree in Music from the University of Queensland, is excited about the change.

Mrs McKibbin, who has led the choir since 2014, said: “I am delighted and proud to be continuing to lead Trowbridge Chorus in the transition to this new chapter in its musical history.

“Our spring concert has a wide range of music for all tastes and plenty of opportunity for the audience to sing along with the choir.

“I look forward to the support from people of all ages in the Trowbridge community at our concert in May.”

The refreshed choir’s programme will include Mendelssohn’s Hear my Prayer, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine and choruses from Verdi Opera.

There are currently 40 singers in Trowbridge Chorus but its committee is hoping to see some new faces at rehearsals before the concert in May.

Choir chairman Maureen Belgrove said: “We felt it was time to reinvent ourselves and become more inclusive.

“We look forward to welcoming new singers to the choir and encourage anyone who enjoys singing to come along.”

Tickets for the May concert are £10 and can be purchased by calling Trowbridge Information Centre on 01225 761364 or on the door.

Rehearsals take place every Monday from 7.30pm until 9.15pm at Holbrook Primary School in Holbrook Lane.

For more information visit www.trowbridgechoral.org.uk, email secretary@trowbridgechoral.org.uk, or call 01380-871285