Join the EAC, and look forward to:
A Special Sound
Being part of a blended sound described by John Rutter as “transparent” and by Susan Gritton as “a special sound”.
Touring and performing
Last season was an exciting and varied one, and included performances of Mendelssohn's Elijah in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, a world première performance of Paul Carr's Four New Seasons, at Reigate St Mary's, Rachmaninov's Vespers and Paul Carr's Into the Light in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, and Tallis Spem in Alium in Thames Ditton and Reigate.
This season we are planning a rich programme of choral classics, singing workshops and open rehearsals. We have just given two performances of Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony, in Dorking Halls and St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
In April 2024 we are returning for a week's visit to Lippiano, in Umbria, Italy, giving three concerts in local churches.
Variety
A wide range of styles and idioms from Bach to Britten, with lots of English music, including living composers.
A great home venue
St Mary’s Church, Reigate - beautiful, large and well set out for music.
Rewarding rehearsals
Productive but good-humoured rehearsals where high musical expectations are fulfilled and mingled with plenty of fun.
Joining is painless...!
Applications
Applications for membership are always welcome in all sections. You need:
- good music-reading ability
- a youthful, blendable voice
- enthusiasm and eagerness to be part of something special - and readiness to help make it even more special.
Admission
is by coming to three rehearsals as a Visiting Singer, followed by an audition with the conductor and the section leader for your voice part. You are guaranteed a warm welcome! To arrange your guest visits, please complete our online form and our Membership Secretary will contact you. Music will be provided by our librarian. Section Leaders will be on hand to offer support and guidance.
Subscriptions
£288 per year for singers aged over 30 years
Concessions apply:
£72 per year for singers aged under 30 years
£15 per year for students in full time education (any age)
For singers joining part-way through a season, a pro-rated fee will be agreed at the time with the Membership Secretary.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings, usually at Wray Common Primary School, Wray Lane, Reigate RH2 0LR, starting at 7.44pm prompt until 10pm. Some members have been said to go to a pub afterwards....
Find out more
Browse our website or keep up to date on Facebook (www.facebook.com/englishartschorale) or Twitter (@ChoirEAC)
Open Rehearsals
Why not join us at one of our open rehearsals, where the focus is on pieces which we have performed in the past, and may be in our programme in the near future. Our conductor Les has boundless enthusiasm, and is a legend in the field of choral conducting. Rehearsals are fast moving and fun, and are a great way of finding out about the EAC, as well as helping you to decide if you want to become a member.
Our next open rehearsal is scheduled for Monday 15 January 2024, when we will be rehearsing Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle.
There's no cost to take part and music will be provided. Please book your place here►
Singing Workshops
Our Singing Workshops are open to all singers and are wonderful community events. Come along for a great day singing in the encouraging acoustic of St Mary's Church in Reigate, meet new people, and maybe think about joining us as a member!
Here's some of the amazing feedback we have received from our singing workshop last November, attended by nearly 100 singers
'Thanks for the well-organised Verdi workshop on Saturday. It was my first time at St Mary's and with a Verdi piece. But Leslie's leadership was wonderfully inspiring and by the time we'd reached the final attack I felt much more confident, particularly with the support of the fellow singers.Well done!'
'I had a most enjoyable day singing the now rare Verdi Requiem, due to size & costs. Such a dramatic work to enjoy, so thanks for the opportunity of singing it once more, I didn't think I would.You're so well organised, with admin & refreshments, & the church was comfortable. Very friendly atmosphere.’
Haydn's Creation 03 Feb 2024 - more details here ►
The English Arts Chorale on tour in Languedoc.