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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are you?

We are a friendly chorus that consists of four voice parts: Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses, each split into first and second sections depending on voice range. 

When and where do you rehearse?

We rehearse on a Wednesday evening between 7.15 and 9.30pm in St Chad’s Church, Otley Road, Far Headingley, Leeds, LS16 5JT.

What do you sing?

We sing a mixture of contemporary and classical choral music, sometimes on a large scale with professional orchestras, and sometimes in a more initmate setting accompanied by professional soloists. 

Usually we perform five classical concerts a season between September and July with a varied programme.  These divide between our own promotions and concerts within the Leeds International Concert Season (LICS). [See our history pages for an account of our recent activities.]

We sing in venues across Leeds, such as St Edmund's Church, Roundhay, and Leeds Town Hall. In recent years we have travelled to Glasgow, Sheffield, and York for concerts too. 

How much of a commitment is it?

We rehearse once a week, and usually have a long break in the summer. We understand that everyone has other commitments outside of choir, so for each concert we set a minimum number of rehearsals that you need to attend. If you are unable to meet that number, for whatever reason, our Artistic Advisor will take the decision whether you can sing in the concert. This is to ensure that everyone knows the music well enough.

How do I become a member?

Come along to one of our rehearsals, when our chorus co-ordinator Fiona Kirkby will buddy you with an experienced member in your voice section. Alternatively, contact Fiona directly for an informal chat before coming to a rehearsal.

If you like us you will then be invited to take an audition with our conductor and artistic adviser.

That sounds very daunting…

The objective is to confirm your voice, test your vocal range and ensure that you are placed in the right section for you. We'll ask you to prepare a short piece in advance (this could be any genre!), do some sight reading, and some range tests to see which section is best for you and your voice. The audition is private and takes place with our Conductor (Simon) and Accompanist (Rebecca).

You do not have to be a skilled musician, though an ability to read music is of use.

I’ve passed my audition.  What next?

You have joined a chorus whose reputation enables it to sing with the best soloists and orchestras in the UK.

Occasionally we are engaged to support major artists (e.g. Andrea Bocelli) in their concerts.

We are a very sociable group of people and you will be encouraged to engage in all our activities.

The whole chorus reauditions every three years.

What will it cost me?

Members’ subscriptions are set at each Annual General Meeting and are payable by the beginning of December. For 2023/24 they are £185 for the year. 

Members aged under 26 at the start of our season (in September) pay £30 for the year.