Founded in 1970 by John Coope, the Byrds set a standard for the relatively new phenomenon of semi-professional chamber choirs bringing cathedral-choir quality to the concert platform and reviving glorious renaissance pieces as well as giving premieres of newly-commissioned contemporary works.

Our first conductor was Stephen Wilkinson MBE who retired in 2009 to concentrate on composing and arranging. Our current conductor, Keith Orrell, has a very individual choral personality which has inspired other national symphony choruses, chamber, cathedral, youth and children's choirs. He is also an ex-Byrd!

We are an excellent, and above all, friendly choir with a long-standing reputation. Do join us, as performer or audience. We look forward to meeting you!