St Mary's Shop

The Melsa Consort was established in the early 1970's when a group of friends started to meet informally in order to simply enjoy singing together. This was very much in the tradition of the area, as Beverley had been a centre for singing as far back as medieval times. The choir gradually started to take on public performances, and has since gained a fine reputation for presenting different types of concerts, largely in churches and country houses in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The emphasis is always upon pure enjoyment for the choir members, invariably with the advantage that concerts are given principally to raise money for charity. The choir has in its repertoire major works such as Bach's "Magnificat," Domenico Scarlatti's "Stabat Mater," Vivaldi's "Gloria", Haydn's "St. Nicholas Mass", Palestrina's "Missa Papae Marcelli” and Herbert Howell's "Requiem". Some of these are performed with the Melsa Chamber Orchestra.

David Wigley, the director, has a wide experience of conducting choirs and orchestras in England, in many European countries, in Scandinavia and Canada: many performances have been both on television and radio. He was formerly County Music Adviser to the East Riding of Yorkshire, and more latterly was County Director of Creative and Performing Arts for Humberside.

Colin Wright is well-known both for his expert performances at the organ and also as a fine accompanist. He is Assistant Organist at Beverley Minster.

The Melsa Consort has had a long-standing link with St. Mary's Church, Beverley. For many years the choir has presented a concert of Christmas music and carols in the church  prior to the Christmas festival.