Our story
Barnsley Singers began in October 2016, when Mat Wright set up an adult choir in response to huge demand. Today we have around 150 members from all walks of life, rehearsing every Tuesday at Barnsley Sixth Form College.
We mainly sing pop, jazz, folk and gospel, and we like to branch out. Through the year you can hear us at concerts, competitions and community events. We’re a not-for-profit choir, run by a volunteer committee.
Our vision
Five principles guide how we run the choir:
- Community: a welcoming choir where members respect and support each other.
- Sustainability: careful planning and sound finances that keep the choir secure.
- Excellence: clear plans and decisions that move the choir forward.
- Inclusive: removing barriers to joining and helping members keep singing with us.
- Enjoyable: repertoire at the right pace, workshops to build skills, and the spirit of our first rehearsal.
Connecting our community in musical harmony.
Our musical team
Our directors teach, rehearse and conduct the choir, and keep our repertoire growing.
Luke Mather
Musical Director
Luke is a conductor, singer and composer based in Manchester, and a First Class music graduate of the University of Manchester. He directs Bolton Chamber Choir, founded Icosa Chamber Choir, and has sung with the National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain, including solos on BBC Radio 3.
Rob Cooper
Assistant Director
Rob is a composer, arranger and pianist, with First Class Honours and a Master’s in composition from the University of Manchester. He has been Musical Director for shows including Les Misérables, Godspell and 9 to 5, and for No Horizon the Musical during its four-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Natalie Davies
Assistant Director
Natalie became one of the choir’s Assistant Directors in 2023, and rehearses and conducts the choir alongside Luke and Rob.
Mat Wright
Founder
Mat founded Barnsley Singers in 2016. He also founded Barnsley Youth Choir, which is now his main focus, and works internationally as a choral adjudicator, clinician, arranger and composer. You’ll often see him at our concerts.
Our committee
The choir is run by a volunteer committee.
Claire Gilmore
Chair
Dawn Shapcott
Secretary
Julie Burkinshaw
Treasurer
To get in touch with the committee, please use our contact form.
Come and sing with us
Rehearsals are on Tuesdays, 19.00 to 20.45, at Barnsley Sixth Form College. Your first week is a free taster, there’s no audition, and you don’t need to read music.