With this performance of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem, Ripon Choral Society came of age, now safe in the knowledge that they are among the elite of Yorkshire’s most famous choirs. Immaculate intonation, unlimited power, security, even in the most testing passages, must have left them delighted with their remarkable achievement... Yet the evening really belonged to the conductor, John Dunford, who has so honed the choir to this high standard, his unfussy direction shepherding them through the complexities.

David Denton, Yorkshire Post, April 2011 [Britten: War Requiem]

Ripon Choral Society is now the largest choir in Yorkshire. Might it be worth speculating that it is also the finest?

Paul Shepherd. Northern Echo. December 2010 [Handel: Messiah]

From the opening richness of the orchestral sounds, it was clear that the audience at Ripon Cathedral could anticipate a memorable experience last Saturday.... Their evident hard work over recent months was rewarded with a rich tapestry of sound, guided with enthusiasm by their conductor, John Dunford. ... The Choral Society sings with conviction, generally secure intonation and a good sense of the dramatic moment.

Clive Harries. Darlington and Stockton Times. March 2010 [Elgar: The Kingdom]

The Gloria by Vivaldi ... is predominantly joyous and the Choral Society entered into this spirit from the opening chorus which was sung with plenty of tonal colour and rythmic impetus...
The final chorus of [of Handel's Dixit Dominus] brought this happy and joyous concert to an end with plenty of drive and energy... For those of you that missed the concert - you missed a treat.

Marilyne Davies. Ripon Gazette. June 2010 [Purcell: Come, Ye Sons of Art; Vivaldi: Gloria; Handel: Dixit Dominus]

Ripon Choral Society, under their inspiring conductor, John Dunford, showed attention to detail, impassioned delivery and the confident musicality that puts them in the top league of amateur choral singing in Britain.

Tim Robinson. Darlington and Stockton Times.
Nov 2009.

The choir sang with utter conviction, achieving an extraordinary quiet, ethereal sound in the opening movement. Phrases were beautifully shaped, with a clarity of intonation that is rare in amateur choral singing.

Tim Robinson.
Darlington and Stockton Times.
March 2008.

Ripon Choral Society gave a rousing and vibrant performance...singing with considerable conviction and commitment. Greg Smith provided the accompaniment with panache and enormous dexterity.

Marilynne Davies.
Ripon Gazette.
June 2007.

Dunford has that type of character that persuades people to do things they never dreamed possible, and to perform as if their lives depend upon it.

David Denton.
Yorkshire Post.
April 2006.