Joining the Choir

The Chandos Chamber Choir is a small friendly choir of about 30 singers, performing concerts both in and out of London. The music we perform is wide ranging, covering both sacred and secular music from the sixteenth century to the present day, from small a cappella works to major works performed with orchestra. Recent concerts have included the Messiah and the St John Passion with Baroque ensemble and the Brahms Requiem (version for two pianos).

Membership is by audition only. Usually we invite you to attend three rehearsals before your audition. If a section is oversubscribed there may be a waiting list. All choir members are re-auditioned every few years and continued membership is at the musical director's discretion.

If you are interested in attending a rehearsal and/or arranging an audition please email us.

Rehearsal Venue

The venue is St Bartholomew-the-Less, West Smithfield, EC1A 7BE. It is located within the grounds of St Bartholomew's Hospital off Holborn viaduct, between St Paul's Cathedral and Smithfield Market. The nearest Underground stations are Barbican, Farringdon and St Paul's. Buses: 8, 25, 56, 242.

Here is an online map.

Rehearsal Times

Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings, 7.00 to 9.30 pm, with a short break. There are usually between eight and ten rehearsals per term.

We usually have a dress rehearsal on the afternoon of a weekend concert. In the case of a weekday concert, we have sometimes elected to have an additional rehearsal in the week leading up to it.

Concerts

The choir year is divided into three terms with one concert per term. Where possible, one of these concerts takes place out of town. In addition we take part in fund-raising events such as carol singing, and occasional workshops and choir exchanges.

Our concert dress is Black Tie for men, and for women smart ankle/floor length black dress/skirt/trousers, smart black top, long sleeves (or half-length in summer), black shoes and tights and subtle jewellery.

Social Events

We try to have at least one event, usually a meal, each term, as well as a weekly visit to the pub after Tuesday rehearsals.

Cathedral Visits

Each year, where possible, the choir visits a cathedral to sing the weekend services. Recently the Chandos has built up a strong relationship with Lincoln Cathedral.

Fee

The termly fee covers all rehearsal expenses and contributes to the running costs. It may vary according to the number of choir members and it may occasionally be necessary to buy music or to contribute towards its hire. Payment by standing order is encouraged.

Attendance

We encourage members to attend all rehearsals. If you miss more than three rehearsals in any term, singing in the concert will be at the conductor's discretion. If you are going to miss or be late for a rehearsal, please let the conductor know as far in advance as possible. This helps the conductor to plan, and the choir to rehearse efficiently. If you cannot reach the conductor please try the choir chairperson. There is also space on the Attendance Register to indicate in advance any rehearsal you know you cannot attend. If you are unable to sing in the concert, we would still encourage you to attend rehearsals up until the final Tuesday before the concert.



	Joining the Choir The Chandos Chamber Choir is a small friendly choir of about 30 singers, performing concerts both in and out of London. The music we perform is wide ranging, covering both sacred and secular music from the sixteenth century to the present day, from small a cappella works to major works performed with orchestra. Recent concerts have included the Messiah and the St John Passion with Baroque ensemble and the Brahms Requiem (version for two pianos). Membership is by audition only. Usually we invite you to attend three rehearsals before your audition. If a section is oversubscribed there may be a waiting list. All choir members are re-auditioned every few years and continued membership is at the musical director's discretion. If you are interested in attending a rehearsal and/or arranging an audition please email us. Rehearsal Venue The venue is St Bartholomew-the-Less, West Smithfield, EC1A 7BE. It is located within the grounds of St Bartholomew's Hospital off Holborn viaduct, between St Paul's Cathedral and Smithfield Market. The nearest Underground stations are Barbican, Farringdon and St Paul's. Buses: 8, 25, 56, 242. Here is an online map. Rehearsal Times Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings, 7.00 to 9.30 pm, with a short break. There are usually between eight and ten rehearsals per term. We usually have a dress rehearsal on the afternoon of a weekend concert. In the case of a weekday concert, we have sometimes elected to have an additional rehearsal in the week leading up to it. Concerts The choir year is divided into three terms with one concert per term. Where possible, one of these concerts takes place out of town. In addition we take part in fund-raising events such as carol singing, and occasional workshops and choir exchanges. Our concert dress is Black Tie for men, and for women smart ankle/floor length black dress/skirt/trousers, smart black top, long sleeves (or half-length in summer), black shoes and tights and subtle jewellery. Social Events We try to have at least one event, usually a meal, each term, as well as a weekly visit to the pub after Tuesday rehearsals. Cathedral Visits Each year, where possible, the choir visits a cathedral to sing the weekend services. Recently the Chandos has built up a strong relationship with Lincoln Cathedral. Fee The termly fee covers all rehearsal expenses and contributes to the running costs. It may vary according to the number of choir members and it may occasionally be necessary to buy music or to contribute towards its hire. Payment by standing order is encouraged. Attendance We encourage members to attend all rehearsals. If you miss more than three rehearsals in any term, singing in the concert will be at the conductor's discretion. If you are going to miss or be late for a rehearsal, please let the conductor know as far in advance as possible. This helps the conductor to plan, and the choir to rehearse efficiently. If you cannot reach the conductor please try the choir chairperson. There is also space on the Attendance Register to indicate in advance any rehearsal you know you cannot attend. If you are unable to sing in the concert, we would still encourage you to attend rehearsals up until the final Tuesday before the concert.