ABOUT US
The Reid Consort is dedicated to the development of central Scotland’s aspiring professional choral singers. By providing high-level choral music performance opportunities alongside its continuing professional development and education initiatives, the Reid Consort provides a framework that prepares its singers to be ambassadors for vocal music. ​​
Individuals within the consort have participated in a range of choirs and events nationally, including with the RSNO and SCO Choruses, National Youth Choirs of Scotland and Great Britain, Edinburgh Studio Opera, chamber choirs at the University of Aberdeen, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Founded in 2016 by Cole Bendall and Amanda MacLeod, highlights of the Reid Consort's first three seasons have included corporate work for Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh; appearing at the St Andrew Voices Festival working with Robert Hollingworth, recording work for the National Libraries of Scotland, joint performances with the Edinburgh Police Choir, education workshops, and critically acclaimed performances including Arvo Pärt's PASSIO, the semi staged PATCHWORK REQUIEM devised by members of the Reid Consort, and Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle, performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The choir has a close relationship with the composer, Chris Hutchings, and recently recorded a CD of his work, to the mountain.
Highlights of the 2019-20 season include performances of Dove's The Passing of the Year, Lasso Lagrime di San Pietro and a return to the Edinburgh Sacred Arts Festival as well as providing opportunities for new composers and conductors to develop their talents.
Unique to the Reid Consort is its emphasis on training its performers in being able to act as leaders in its educational and administration programme. While providing advanced performance opportunities, the consort also aims to provide its singers with support and training to participate in public engagement activities such as workshops, masterclasses, lectures and more.
Team
Cole Bendall - Artistic Director
Ailsa Aitkenhead - Associate Pianist
Alicia Pettit - Consort Manager
Matt Andrews - Committee
Harold Raitt - Committee