We perform from a wide repertoire of music, the core of which comprises large-scale classical choral music. Recent and forthcoming highlights include Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Creation, J S Bach’s St John Passion, Handel’s Messiah, Carl Orf’s Carmina Burana, Rachmaninoff’s Vespers, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Duruflé’s Requiem, Chilcott’s Little Jazz Mass, and an evening of Gilbert and Sullivan. Other programmes have featured Broadway classics, American spirituals and modern arrangements of well-known jazz and pop numbers.

It’s important for the benefit of the whole Chorus that members attend regularly. All members are expected to attend at least 75% of the rehearsals for any concert. Members who do not meet this requirement are only able to perform in the concert at the discretion of the Music Director.

The rehearsal on the day of the concert requires the compulsory attendance of all performing.

Our Librarian will provide all the music that you need. Scores are either available to hire or can sometimes be bought at a discounted price. We will provide you with any scores for any rehearsals you attend before your audition free of charge.

The choir also makes frequent use of various standard choral collections and we encourage members to consider buying their own copies. These include:

European Sacred Music
edited by John Rutter (OUP)

English Church Motets Volume 1
edited by Robert King (OUP)

Noël
edited by David Hill (Novello)

100 Carols for Choirs
edited by Willcocks and Rutter (OUP)

Christmas Motets
edited by John Rutter (OUP)

Only the essentials! All you need to bring is your music, a soft pencil (‘B’ or softer), and a bottle of water if you wish.

We consider all prospective members including any with additional needs, disabilities or mobility issues. We do our very best to ensure that our rehearsal and concert venues are wheelchair friendly. Due to the nature and age of the some of our concert venues, floors can be uneven. Dedicated WC facilities are always available.

The work of the Chorus is supported, in part, by the subscription payments from its members. The annual subscription for 2024/2025 is £195. By arrangement with the Treasurer, payment of subscriptions may be made in two equal instalments.

We are pleased to offer a 50% reduction for any members who are 25 years of age or under and in full time education. Special arrangements have also been made during this pandemic year. The Treasurer is always happy to discuss individual needs where necessary.

The audition is a simple and friendly session with you and the Music Director. It involves the performance by you of a short song of your choice (it can be anything from a hymn to a show song or aria) and the repetition of a few simple scales and arpeggios. Auditions are always carried out in a warm and supportive manner and you will know the outcome immediately. If we think you might benefit from a little more preparation or perhaps some singing lessons before joining the Chorus we will do what we can to support you.