London Classical Choir

Repertoire should inspire and entertain. Classical music is like time-travelling, taking us back to the era, and into the mind of the composer. It is good for a classical choir to sing music in other styles if it benefits the programme, and if it's fun.

People sing for enjoyment, but singing is more enjoyable when we fulfil our potential. We strive to sing the notes well but singing with conviction is the most important thing.

Work hard and then go to the pub, as socialising is as important as the music.

From members: “A wonderful programme of music, inspiring and joyful to perform.” “Thank you for the community, friends and joyful experiences that I have been given through this choir.”

Concert for the Homeless: “It was truly thrilling!” “I've had amazing feedback from friends and family watching online around the world.”

LCC was started by Matthew Watts in 2018 and is made up of about thirty multi-cultural singers from across London and further afield, with a good mix of ages. The choir has performed for sold-out audiences in Primrose Hill, at the Victoria & Albert Museum, in Trafalgar Square and at Wembley Stadium, and to audiences around the world via livestream. LCC regularly joins with the London Classical Orchestra to perform a Concert for the Homeless, which so far has raised £18,433 for homeless charities. Repertoire has included Fauré’s Requiem, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Messiah and Ode for St Cecilia’s Day, Jenkins’ Armed Man, Mozart’s Requiem, Purcell’s opera Dido & Aeneas, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Music from the Americas and Sing Africa (see Repertoire page). In addition the choir has performed with the Docklands Sinfonia. Audio and video recordings of the choir are available on the Hear Us page.

Joining us

LCC is a friendly, sociable group, and you will be made very welcome (we go to the pub after every rehearsal and have a Whatsapp group). The musical director will teach you how to read music and help you improve your choral and vocal technique. We often post rehearsal tracks on SoundCloud to help you learn your part and there are solo opportunities for more experienced singers.

You do not need to do an audition to join us, but we usually require people to have some experience of singing in choirs, to have a good voice and to be able to sing reasonably in-tune. Also, everyone has to do a range check to make sure they sing the part that best suits their voice. Although it is better to join us at the start of term you can try us out at any point. Contact us if you have any questions.

REHEARSALS
There are seven rehearsals per term, usually two Fridays per month. See What’s On for the dates and venue details.

A NOTE ON ATTENDANCE: In order to learn the music to a good standard, support your fellow singers, and so that we don’t miss you too much socially, it is important that people attend regularly. The choir policy is as follows:

1. Singers should attend at least four rehearsals out of seven (and see point 3).
2. The last rehearsal before a performance and the rehearsal on the day of the concert are compulsory. (If you have attended enough of the other rehearsals you may still be able to take part - speak to Matthew.)
3. People should do some practice before rehearsals, especially if you miss sessions. By about two thirds of the way through the term you should turn up knowing the notes.

Payment

DROP-IN: £10 on the door (cash preferred, card OK), students and low-waged £8. If you would like to try us out, or can’t make a few rehearsals, then drop-in payment is for you. No admittance without full payment.

PAYING TERMLY: If you pay for the remaining rehearsals of term in one go then each session costs only £8, students and low-waged £6. Payment should be made in advance by bank transfer (contact us for details, not available by card machine on the day), or in cash. The reduced price is not available the last two rehearsals of term.