Spring Concert – Dunfermline Choral Union

Spring Concert Information

Saturday 6th March 2027

Spring Concert 2027

Our showcase spring concert is the jewel in our annual programme. With the accompaniment of a full orchestra and guest soloists we perform traditional and contemporary choral works from acclaimed composers.

We are delighted to announce our 2027 Programme will be a beautiful and inspring selection of French and Italian choral music:-

Cantique de Jean Racine – Faure

Requiem – Faure

Messa di Gloria – Puccini

Ben Smart - Tenor

Ben Smart is a Scottish tenor from the East Neuk of Fife. Originally more likely to be found on the rugby pitch during his school years, a career-ending injury led him to discover a passion for music. Encouraged by his teachers, he pursued singing with the same discipline he once reserved for sport, which led him to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he recently completed his undergraduate degree in Vocal Studies.

At RCS, Ben has performed as the First Armed Man in The Magic Flute. He has also appeared in RCS Opera productions of Idomeneo and Carmen as a chorus member, and as tenor soloist in Petite Messe Solennelle. Recent concert engagements include Messa di Gloria and Rejoice in the Lamb with the Newton Singers, and recital appearances at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Skibo Castle, The New Club, and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Beyond the Conservatoire, Ben sang Bastien in Bastien et Bastienne with Bread and Bus Stop, and performed with Scottish Opera Young Company in The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken and the specially commissioned modern opera Rubble. He has also sung with the National Youth Choir of Scotland, and as a member of the RCS Chamber Choir and RCS Choir, performing on BBC Scotland broadcasts.

In summer 2023, he was part of the Dorset Opera Festival chorus, appearing in their productions of Madama Butterfly and Under the Greenwood Tree.

In 2026, Ben performed with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in Ravels L’Enfant et les sortilèges, appearing in both a solo role and chorus under the direction of Thomas Søndergård.

Ben will continue his training in September on the Advanced Opera Diploma at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, delivered in collaboration with Scottish Opera.

Rachel Munro - Soprano

Award-winning Scottish soprano Rachel Munro graduated with a Master of Music in Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and a degree in Mathematics from the University of St Andrews, and currently studies with Wilma MacDougall. Her studies were generously supported by the RCS Trust, the Cross Trust, and the Scottish International Education Trust.

During her time in St Andrews she performed roles including: Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Gianetta (The Gondoliers), Nora (Riders to the Sea), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Mary Crawford (Mansfield Park), and Mélisande (Pelléas et Mélisande). Upon graduating, she was awarded the Cedric Thorpe Davie Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Musical Life of the University.
Further roles performed include: Lay Sister (Suor Angelica, Opera Bohemia 2025), Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus, Fife Opera 2024), Musetta (La Bohème, Fife Opera 2025), and cover Queen of the Night (Die auberflöte, RCS 2025).

Along with duo partner Jia Ning Ng, Rachel won first prize in the Northern Aldeburgh Festival’s 2025 New Voices Singing Competition, and was a finalist in the inaugural Rebecca Clarke Song Competition. In 2026, she will return to the Northern Aldeburgh Festival for a Winners’ Recital, and will be supporting Dame Sarah Connolly and Joseph Middleton at the closing night of the Leeds Song Festival.

As a soloist, Rachel has performed at a variety of prestigious venues across the UK, including Wigmore Hall and the Usher Hall. She has also played an active role in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s Outreach Residency in Craigmillar, which will culminate in a world premiere at the Queen’s Hall in March 2026 of works created in collaboration with the community.

Rachel is a 2026 Alvarez Emerging Artist with Garsington Opera, and will return to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September for their new Advanced Artist Diploma in Opera, delivered in collaboration with Scottish Opera.