History

West End Singers was formed in September 1988, to sing mainly modern music. The choir's first appearance was to combine with local choirs as 'backing singers' at a Royal Gala, held at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton. More concerts followed and the choir built up a reputation for polished and sensitive singing.

Twice winners of the Coronation Cup (1989 and 1990) and winners of the Orchard Trophy (1998), awarded at The Gosport Music Festival and also winners with honours at the 1998 Southampton Festival of Music and Drama.

April 1991 saw the choir travel to Temple Terrace, Florida as part of a cultural exchange set up by Eastleigh Borough Twinning Association. The sister communities of Eastleigh and Temple Terrace have stayed close and 1992 saw a group of American citizens visit Eastleigh. West End Singers returned to Florida in October 2000, where they took part in the celebrations to mark the 75th Birthday of the city of Temple Terrace.

During October 2007 West End Singers returned to Florida, renewing contacts and friendships with the citizens of Temple Terrace, and performing at Florida College.

2008 saw another landmark for West End Singers. In September we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the formation of the group and during November an anniversary party was held with past and current members invited.

After our 2009 Christmas concert, we bid a fond farewell to our Musical Director Ann Cousins who retired after 20 years' dedicated directing, and welcomed our new Musical Director, Alex Silverman.

West End Singers has supported many local charities over the years, including Wessex Heartbeat, Wessex Cancer Trust, Naomi House Hospice and Countess Mountbatten Hospice, to name a few.