The Backworth Male voice Choir (BMVC) was founded in 1951 by miners of the Backworth Colliery. Our first Musical Director (MD) was Joe King, the Colliery Manager, and although the Colliery is long since closed there is still a close association and affection for our heritage.

BMVC performs extensively throughout the region and beyond supporting charity initiatives as well performing alongside some of the region’s finest instrumental/choral ensembles and soloists. Most recently the Choir performed at the Durham Cathedral Festival of Remembrance with the Bands of the Royal Signals and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and Newcastle City Hall in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice’s ‘Let’s Get Lyrical’ Concert. Other venues include the Barbican, York, and Cardiff’s Arms Park.

   The choir have toured Europe on a number of occasions having visited Germany, France and Belgium as well as hosted a number of European choirs on UK tours. Most recently BMVC visited France and Belgium as part of their 60th anniversary celebration which included a choral tribute at the Menin Gate in Ypres.
The choir have been fortunate to have had a number of well established and distinguished conductors over the years including: Howard Davison, Bob Jeffrey, Kieran Fitzimmons, Judith Blackburn, Andrew Soulsby and currently Ted Brooks.

  Today’s BMVC is a sixty strong community choir, attracting members from all walks of life. We are proud to support the work of many regionally charities and organisations through our performances.