THE CHOIR
The Fishpond Choir is a mixed voice community choir with over 60 members, based in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. We have a vibrant and versatile body of members who enjoy performing a rich and diverse repertoire of wonderful choral music from across the world.
From classical to film music, jazz to carols, folk to opera, we sing in beautiful venues great and small in Derbyshire and further afield. We warmly welcome you to listen, support and join us in making and appreciating great music.
In 2026 the choir celebrates our 25th Anniversary with an exchange concert visit to Onzain in the Loire Valley.
Singing
Singing is something that is central to our souls. It lifts our spirit and enhances our sensations of relaxation and freedom. There are so many benefits and irrespective of what you may have been told at school, most people can sing …
Enjoyment
There’s a reason why our choir members turn out on the darkest and dampest of evenings that Derbyshire has to offer, to rehearse together! That enjoyment comes from the joy of singing and a shared focus, combined with our spirit of fun …
Our Members
We currently have over 60 choir members, who come from across Derbyshire, with all different levels of musical experience level, ages, backgrounds, professions, skillsets and interests. Meet some of our members and find out why choir is so important to them …
Musical Director
Our Musical Director, Claire De la Haye, joined the Fishpond Choir in 2022, and brings a real passion for choral music and enthusiasm for vocal training …
CONCERTS
The Fishpond Choir puts on between three and four full concerts each year, as well as performing within events and joint concerts both in Derbyshire and further afield.
Coming up:
Autumn Concert
We are delighted to return to St. Mary's for the Fishpond Choir's ever-popular Autumn concert, as part of the Wirksworth Festival.
Interested?
Membership offers a diverse singing and social programme, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to make new friends.
Would you like to sing with us? No voice tests or auditions are required. We warmly welcome singers of all experience levels.
Performing
Performing is a central part of who we are as a choir. It gives our members a shared focus in rehearsals, as we work towards high quality and engaging performances …
Come & Sing Workshops
We host a number of come & sing events, as well as open rehearsals each year to which singers – and people interestered in trying singing – are invited to join us …
Social Events
Choir people have a bond, and those bonds develop quickly! There is always a lot going on in the choir, whether it’s organised events or informal member get togethers …
Community Spirit
We are passionate about supporting charities through our concerts, and have developed many close bonds over the years. It’s another reason we enjoy performing – to make a difference where we can …
NEWS
Onzain Tour 2026
In mid-May, the Fishpond Choir travelled to the town of Onzain in France's Loire Valley to represent Darley Dale in a twinning exchange visit and concert. Over a wonderful activity packed weekend, our choir members were hosted by French families and had the...
Calling Basses & Tenors
The Fishpond Choir is actively seeking to recruit more male voices, specifically basses – and tenors (both male and female)! to reinforce these voice sections.
The Fishpond Choir is 25 this year!
The Fishpond Choir celebrated its 25th Anniversary year in style this January – by returning to the place where the choir was originally founded.
Save the Date: Come & Sing at the Whitworth Centre
Join the Fishpond Choir on Saturday 18th April 2026 for an exciting choral experience day, working with our musical director, choir members and professional soloists and musicians. More details to follow or email us to request details when they become available!
Wassail, Wassail! Sell out concert at Chatsworth
Thank you to all our audience members who joined us for our 2025 Christmas Concert. Our Christmas concert is a real favourite – from traditional Wassail carols to Christmas songs from the silver screen.
Concert for Aquabox – raising vital funds for clean water
After our concert at St. Mary’s Church in Wirksworth, Fishpond Choir members were delighted to visit our friends at Aquabox to present them with a cheque for over £1,800 … enough to provide clean drinking water for over 1,830 people.