Sheffield Oratorio Chorus (SOC) conductor Alan Eost is taking on a big challenge in 2026 to raise funds for the Chorus for future concerts and projects with high quality orchestras and soloists.

This fundraiser has been set up to be able to keep supporting young musicians in the early stages of their careers and perform both well-known large scale choral works as well as less frequently performed pieces.

Alan has been scaling Wainwrights - the English peaks (known locally as fells) described in Alfred Wainwright’s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells – for the last 13 years, but in 2026 he is planning to tackle 16 more.

There are 214 classified ‘Wainwrights’ varying in height from 950 ft to 3200 ft. They all lie within the boundary of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, and all but one (Castle Crag) are over 1,000 feet (304.8 m) in height.

“I climbed my first Wainwright at the age of 61 and have totalled 109 so far (84 since turning 70), including Scafell Pike in 2014, Coniston Old Man in 2019, Skiddaw in 2020 and all but one of the Northern Fells,” he said. “Walking is an excellent way of keeping fit for all ages and I hope to complete the next 16 to make it 100 since turning 70.”

Alan is planning to start this challenge in early May 2026 - watch this space for updates on his progress!

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Sheffield Oratorio Chorus has been at the forefront of classical mixed voice choral singing in South Yorkshire since 1948.

Their repertoire extends from the Renaissance to the present day with an emphasis on large scale choral works.

The Chorus has performed with world class soloists as well as some of the top orchestral ensembles in the North of England.

A typical season comprises 4 concerts per year at various venues in Sheffield.

For more information, visit:

- the website: https://www.sheffieldoratorio.org.uk/

- buy tickets for the next concert here: https://www.sheffieldoratorio.org.uk/concerts

- Facebook and Instagram (search for Sheffield Oratorio Chorus)