Joining the choir

We are always keen to hear from good singers. Anyone who would like to join us should read on and then complete the Application Form. We recommend watching our short film first for a snapshot of the choir.

We are a busy choir:

Performing a wide range of music with leading orchestras – a glance at the choir’s concerts over the last few years here speaks for itself.
Singing in London’s main concert venues including the Barbican, Cadogan Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall and St John’s Smith Square, as well as venues outside London.
Recording interesting music to critical acclaim.

Rehearsals

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

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.

While it is recognised that there may have to be the occasional exception, you should be prepared to attend weekly rehearsals from 6.30pm to 8.45pm 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.

Auditions and reassessments

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.

Taking a break
Any member of the choir can take a break without leaving the choir at any time if, for example, work, health or personal circumstances make weekly attendance difficult, and should talk to the Membership Secretary if this becomes necessary.

Subscriptions

The annual subscription is currently (2025/26) £250 per season or £125 per half season. We also have a special student rate of £50 per season or £25 per half season.

If you have any questions about joining the choir, please don’t hesitate to contact us.