First broadcast on 25 October 2009, this episode of BBC Radio 3's The Choir gives a fascinating insight into life in The Bach Choir today, and how it compares with the experiences of those who sang in the Choir in the 19th and 20th centuries. Presenter Aled Jones talks to Dr Basil Keen, the Choir's archivist until his death in August 2011, and two current members of the Choir, soprano Ellie Bacon and bass Shane Connolly. The programme, which lasts for 30 minutes, includes clips from Bach's St Matthew Passion, Britten's War Requiem, Howells' Sir Patrick Spens, Rütti's Requiem, and the soundtrack of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.


Basil Keen (1925-2011) was a bass in The Bach Choir for 37 years, joining just after David Willcocks became Musical Director. In the years after leaving the Choir he completed his PhD, researching the Choir's history, and subsequently published a book, The Bach Choir: The First Hundred Years, published by Ashgate. His knowledge of the Choir was unsurpassed and he will be greatly missed.