The Choral

In war-torn Yorkshire in 1916, the local choir is on the brink of collapse as nearly all the men have left for the front. Determined to carry on, the board of The Choral Society is forced to recruit new singers from among the village boys—teenagers who are themselves on the verge of being called up for military service.

At the same time, a new conductor must be appointed. The choice falls on Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), a driven and uncompromising musician who has recently returned from Germany. Under Guthrie’s strict yet passionate leadership, the boys discover the power of singing together: camaraderie, humor, and comfort in a time dominated by loss and uncertainty.

The Choral is a warm and nostalgic drama, directed by BAFTA, Olivier, and Tony Award winner Nicholas Hytner, known for films such as The Lady in the Van and The Madness of King George. The beautifully written screenplay is by the equally acclaimed British writer Alan Bennett and marks their fourth collaboration. The film is carried by outstanding performances, with a remarkable leading role by Ralph Fiennes as the devoted choir leader Dr. Guthrie, known for Conclave and Schindler’s List. The Choral had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.