Question 1

Who can apply to the City of London Choir?

Accepted Answer

We are always keen to hear from good singers.We welcome applications for full choir membership from adults aged 18 and above.

Question 2

What options are available for young singers?

Accepted Answer

Full membership is available to adults aged 18 and over, and we have a student subscription rate for full choir members in full-time education.  Young singers aged 16 to 23 are eligible to apply for membership of one of our Young Singer Schemes. For more details, please visit the Young Singer Schemes page.

Question 3

Where and what does the choir perform, and how often?

Accepted Answer

We are a busy choir:Performing a wide variety of music with leading orchestras and soloistsSinging in London’s main concert venues including the Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall and in City churches, as well as venues outside LondonRecording interesting music to critical acclaim.We perform in up to about 10 concerts a year in total. Visit our concert archive for an idea of the range of concerts in which we sing. Not every member has to sing in every concert, but we encourage all members to attend rehearsals regularly unless on a break.

Question 4

When and where does the choir rehearse?

Accepted Answer

We rehearse on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 8.45 throughout our season which begins in September. We have short breaks for Christmas and Easter, and the season usually ends in late June or July. Rehearsals are held in the Bridewell Hall at the St Bride Foundation, close to Fleet Street and Blackfriars.

Question 5

What is the choir's rehearsal commitment?

Accepted Answer

To enable the choir to sing at the highest standards, whether in high profile concerts in top venues in London and beyond or to take part in prestigious recording projects, we ask all our active members to commit wholeheartedly to our rehearsal schedule.It is recognised that there may have to be the occasional exception, but choir members should be prepared to attend weekly rehearsals every Monday evening during term-time (this includes a 15 minute tea break).The choir's membership consists of a rich mix of skills, from a diverse range of musical backgrounds. While each member will contribute a unique combination of talents, all members need a proficient level of sight-reading. In addition, all are expected to work on notes at home between rehearsals when necessary so that the choir as a whole can focus on the Musical Director’s approach and interpretation during rehearsals rather than note-bashing.Rehearsals will usually cover music for more than one concert. A committed, consistent pattern of attendance means the choir can make steady, constructive progress week by week, musically and vocally, on the repertoire planned for the whole season. Members of the choir should therefore regard it as their personal goal to attend all rehearsals, whether or not they expect to take part in every concert.   Concert singers must always make themselves available for a final rehearsal at the venue on concert day (which can fall on any day of the week), a few hours before the performance. Every effort is made to call the choir as late as possible on working days. Absences should always be cleared with the Membership Secretary in advance of the relevant rehearsal.

Question 6

What does it cost to belong to the choir?

Accepted Answer

The annual subscription is currently (2026/27) £260 per season or £130 per half season. We also have a special student rate of £50 per season or £25 per half season.In addition, every new member has to buy a regulation CLC folder, and music costs (hire/purchase) will be extra.

Question 7

Do I have to pass an audition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CLC is an auditioned choir. Membership of the choir is subject to passing an initial audition with the Musical Director and to a process of vocal assessment every three years thereafter (or sooner if the Musical Director regards it as advisable). Auditions and assessments are not intended to be stressful! The Recruitment & Auditions Secretary and the Membership Secretary can offer advice to those wishing to understand more about either process.

Question 8

What if I join and need to take a break for some reason?

Accepted Answer

Any member of the choir can take a break without leaving the choir at any time if work, health or personal circumstances make weekly attendance difficult. The member should contact the Membership Secretary if this becomes necessary.​

Question 9

What should I do if I wish to apply?

Accepted Answer

We recommend watching our short film first for a snapshot of the choir. If you decide you would like to join the choir, please complete the Application Form. We will respond as soon as we can to let you know if we can offer you a audition.

Joining the choir