Southampton Choral Society (formerly known as Southampton Choral Union) was founded in 1943 by the late Ambrose Chalk, a very well-known and respected musician and conductor. The choir was initially a coming together of local Free Church choirs, but as the reputation grew it attracted many other singers. It soon became a major part of the cultural life of the city. 

Shortly after Ambrose Chalk’s retirement, Derek Goodger became the Musical Director in 1971. During the next twenty-seven years, the Choir built on its fine tradition. Based at Southampton Guildhall, the Choir would typically give three concerts a year (using the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and soloists of national and international reputation) and a Carol Concert.

Audiences heard many works given their first performance in Southampton, including Vaughan William’s Sea Symphony, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Janacek’s Glagolitic Mass, David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus and Michael Hurd’s commissioned work The Shepherd’s Calendar. The sheer vitality of African Santus and Carmina Burana (with Southampton Youth Orchestra and Highcliffe Junior Choir) will long be remembered.

In 1985, the Southampton Civic Centre and Guildhall celebrated its fiftieth anniversary with a concert given by the Choral Society together with the Southampton Philharmonic Society and the University Choir. Berlioz’s Te Deum and Elgar’s Music Makers was conducted by Peter Evans and Derek Goodger. The combined choir of over 300 was accompanied by a 100-strong Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra which had to be accommodated in the main part of the hall.

Following Derek Goodger’s retirement, Aidan Fairlie was appointed the musical director in 1998. Under his direction, the Choir continued to perform to high standards and widen the repertoire. Performances ranged from the delightful Faure’s Requiem to the ambitious Howell’s Hymnus Paradisi.

In 2009, Peter Gambie become the choir’s musical director.