St Albans Bach Choir is an amateur choir based in the English cathedral city of St Albans. Since its founding in 1924 it has performed a wide range of choral music including but by no means limited to the great Bach masterpieces. It strives for the highest possible standards of music making, employing soloists of the highest calibre and professional orchestras. Performances are normally held in St Albans Cathedral. Currently, the Musical Director is Andrew Lucas, Master of the Music at the Cathedral. The choir has been conducted by distinguished guest conductors Sir David Willcox, John Rutter CBE, Sir Richard Armstrong and Laurence Cummings. In October 2018 the choir was recognised as being amongst "9 of The Best UK Choirs". The choir is Registered Charity no. 285602 History and Organisation Formed in 1924, the choir's first concert in April of that year consisted of a performance of Bach's St John Passion under Mr Luttman. No concerts were given during the Second World War, but it has performed every year since 1947 up until interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert scheduled for March 2020 was cancelled, with no rehearsals or concerts until the Autumn of 2021. According to the choir's Constitution, its objectives include the "presentation of public choral concerts to the highest possible standards". In pursuance of this, membership is by audition with periodic re-auditions. In addition, members are required to take periodic individual singing lessons. The Musical Director is normally the Master of the Music at St Albans Cathedral (Andrew Lucas since 1998) and the choir's President and Vice-President are the Bishop and Dean of St Albans respectively. However, there are no formal links with the Cathedral. Concerts and other appearances Regular concerts The choir normally gives three main concerts a year in St Albans Cathedral, with professional soloistst and orchestra. In alternate years the Summer concert is normally one of the major events in the biennial St Albans International Organ Festival. For many years, the choir has also presented charity carol concerts in December, which have proven very popular. Two local charities are chosen each year, one supported by an afternoon concert aimed especially at children, and the other at an evening concert. Guest conductors In July 2017, Laurence Cummings, Musical Director of the London Handel Festival conducted the choir in a performance of Handel's Messiah. In July 2013 Sir Richard Armstrong conducted the choir in a