
Stithians Ladies Choir was formed in 1966 by the late Sydney Bowden, who was the Choir Master and Organist at Penmennor Methodist Church, Stithians. At that time there was a membership of 65.
At the moment we have about 32 choristers, and the sections are well balanced, however, new members are most welcome. So if you are interested, please see our Join Us page or contact us for further details. Rehearsals take place at 7.30pm on Thursday evenings, at Carnon Downs Methodist Chapel Hall TR3 6LF
The Choir is in great demand across Cornwall and Devon and, over the years, has helped raise many thousands of pounds for charity. Programmes are prepared by the MD and careful consideration is given to ensure that the varying musical tastes of audiences are catered for. Modern and traditional music, songs from the shows and all the old favourites are included. These together with arrangements especially written for the choir ensure that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to book the choir, please contact us via email – stithiansladies@gmail.com or the form on our Contact Us page.
Rico Gerber: Musical Director and Accompanist

Rico, originally from South Africa, joined us as our accompanist with an enviable reputation as a pianist, composer, accompanist and conductor, both in Cornwall and further afield. We are fortunate that he has now taken on the challenge to be our MD. We are really looking forward to spending a rewarding time with him and, once again, we are grateful to the Gods of Music who sent him our way!
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Vivienne Nicholas: Deputy Musical Director
At the age of 8, Vivienne started to learn to play the piano. She was also a chorister in the local church choir. At this tender age, her brother challenged her to play a scale on the cornet, this was the beginning of her long association with brass bands Vivienne, was also a member of the St Keverne Young Ladies Choir, and the amateur dramatic group, St Keverne Kaudlers. Once married, she moved to Stithians and joined the ladies choir. She also joined St Stythians Band, where her husband John was already an active member. Vivienne is currently the band’s Deputy MD and when required deputises for their Musical Director. In 1994, Vivienne became the Deputy Musical Director of the Ladies Choir, and on several occasions has stood in as Musical Director, including taking us to two consecutive wins at Wall Music Festival in 2012 and 2013.