Music
All Saints Appeal
Concerts and other events are organised in support of the All Saints Appeal, including regular free Monday lunchtime concerts, with the aim of restoring the historic church of All Saints to its rightful place at the heart and soul of Kingston upon Thames.
Website: www.askingston.co.uk
Ember Choral Society
The Ember Choral Society is a non-audition choir based in Thames Ditton, Surrey, with a membership of around 100 singers. The members, whose ages range from teens upwards, come from all over the Borough of Elmbridge, as well as from further afield. The Society performs two major concerts each season, usually in December and May, and gives other smaller scale performances and charity concerts.
Contact - Pam Goring Thomas
Telephone: 01932 781 462
Email: pgoring@waitrose.com
Website: www.emberchoral.org.uk
Euphonix
Euphonix is a community choir, run by volunteers and led by Musical Director Dominic Stichbury, which rehearses on most Wednesdays throughout the year, usually upstairs in the Rose Theatre, Kingston, occasionally in other central Kingston venues.
Our name comes from the same roots as "euphonia", small birds with a melodious song, and "euphony", the quality of having a pleasing sound. We offer an inclusive, affordable experience of the benefits of singing regularly with others: companionship, developing musicality and pure enjoyment. Our repertoire comprises mainly contemporary and popular songs, folk and world music, and we give occasional informal performances in the Rose Culture Café, All Saints and other public spaces in Kingston.
Contact - Marilyn Mason
Telephone: 020 8546 4086
Email: info@euphonix.org.uk
Website: www.euphonix.org.uk
Hamilton Ringers
We are a group who use handbells and chimes. We meet every Friday evening 7.30-9.30pm at St George's Church in Hamilton Ave, Tolworth. All are welcome, regardless of music ability or experience. All instruments and equipment provided - just bring yourself! We are a friendly group of music makers.
Contact - Keith Rowland (Musical Director)
Telephone: 01252 409438
Email: keith@acorncottage.org.uk
Website: www.hamiltonringers.com
Kingston Chamber Singers
Formed in 2001, Kingston Chamber Singers is an ad hoc group, performing on special occasions and for corporate events, and made up of working musicians (freelancers, lay clerks and others active in many areas of the music industry). Following a spectacular debut with a gala performance of Bach’s Johannes Passion in aid of St John’s Hospital, Twickenham, the group went on to receive a substantial award from the Canbury Music Awards Panel. Composers who have written for KCS include J. Matheson Bayley, Roger Beeson, Simon Clark, William Morris and Paul Reeves. When performing, the group operates on minimum rehearsal time; usually three sessions. Prospective members are welcome to audition at any time. Kingston Chamber Singers featured in the opening concert of the recent Kingston Festival of the Voice 2009, in a performance of Purcell’s ode Come, ye sons of art, and his opera Dido and Aeneas.
Patrons: David Aprahamian Liddle, Paul Patterson, Alison Pearce
Contact – Benjamin Costello (Music Director)
Email: via the Kingston Arts website
Kingston Choral Society
Kingston Choral Society is a mixed voice choir with about 120 members. It puts on three or four concerts a year, two of them with professional orchestra and soloists. We cover a wide range of the classical repertoire, both established favourites and less familiar works. New members are welcome. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 8.00pm to 10.00pm in the main hall at Hollyfield School in Surbiton. If you would like to join come along on a Thursday and try the choir out. There is a simple voice test – nothing too terrifying.
Contact - Denis Down
Telephone: 020 8949 4961
Email: denis_down@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.kingstonchoralsociety.co.uk
Kingston Jazz Society
KJS is a long established Society which meets on alternate Tuesday evenings, upstairs at the Druid’s Head, Market Place, Kingston, to listen to record recitals presented by members and sometimes guests who are jazz musicians, writers or critics. They warmly welcome new members who share an enthusiasm for the music and a broad-minded appreciation of jazz styles from Jelly Roll Morton to Charles Mingus. Equally, if you simply want to dip into jazz and learn more about it, KJS is the place to do so. There is no joining fee but members pay £1 at each meeting.
Contact - Brian Goddard (Secretary)
Telephone: 020 8979 4620
Email: briangoddard@waitrose.com
Kingston Madrigal Society
Singing of madrigals and other unaccompanied choral music, typically by such composers as Byrd, Dowland, Lassus, etc. Some ability to sight-read is needed. We do not give concerts. Singing meetings will be held on the first Saturday of every month at 7.30pm – 9.30pm in the Swinnerton Hall, St Luke’s Church, Gibbon Road, Kingston.
Contact - Jennifer Alwen (Hon Secretary)
Telephone: 020 8788 3671
Kingston Orpheus Choir
We rehearse for three concerts each year with recent concerts including works by Vivaldi, Rutter, Bach and Haydn. We welcome all who would like to sing and encourage those who haven’t sung before. Meets Wednesdays, 8.00pm to 10.00pm at St John's Church, Grove Lane, Kingston (behind the University at Penryhn Road).
Contact - Barbara Duffy
Address: 43 Brazalgette Gardens, New Malden, Surrey KT3 5HF
Telephone: 020 8336 1311
Email: barbaraduffy53@hotmail.com
Website: www.kingstonorpheuschoir.com
Loki Music
Regular concerts and workshops involving early music, mostly in South West London. Informal meetings held after concerts.
Contact - Will Summers
Email: williamsummers@uvclub.net
Paul Reeves
Freelance film and TV composer and pianist.
Website: www.paulreevesmusic.co.uk
Singers and Songs
Singing courses for everyone, beginners to professionals. Individual voice singing and development available. Ten week lunch time singing courses take place at The Market House, Market Place, Kingston between 1 - 2pm on Wednesdays. (Term Time Only). This is not a choir but friendly, supportive and creative sessions covering modern styles and genres. Taught by experienced West End performers and professional singers.
Contact - Elaine Hallam
Telephone: 07956 323782
Email: elainehallam@googlemail.com
Website: www.singersandsongs.com
Singing it back
Do you love to sing? We run workshops and weekly choirs. There is no need to read music as all songs are taught by listening and 'singing it back'. In many cultures, singing is an everyday part of binding communities together. Choirs can sometimes be an exclusive place only for those who read music. Our sessions are for everyone regardless of musical background; covering a varied repertoire of songs from other cultures alongside traditional folk and pop. To use singing to its full potential we offer:
- One day singing workshops, great for teambuilding and communication
- Weekly singing groups
- Bespoke workshops for special events
- Workshops for schools, children and INSET days
Contact: Mary Bourne
Telephone: 020 8549 2926
Email: info@singingitback.com
Website: www.singingitback.co.uk
Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra
Under the musical direction of Adrian Brown, SYO enjoys a very high reputation for musical excellence, both locally and nationally. It performs regularly in some of the best concert halls in London and the South-East, giving three or four concerts a year.
There are two orchestras: the Main Orchestra and a Training Orchestra for younger players or those working towards the standard of the Main Orchestra. We require a high standard of playing and commitment from all of our members. We suggest a minimum of Grade 6/7 for prospective members of the Main and Grade 4 for the Training Orchestra. Auditions are held in September, January and April.
Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons during school term-time at St Paul’s Church Community Centre, Wimbledon, SW19 6ED.
Contact - Julian Hardwick
Telephone: 020 8946 5096
Email: chairman@stoneleighyouthorchestra.org.uk
Website: www.stoneleighyouthorchestra.org.uk
Surbiton Recorded Music Society
Listen to musical presentations in a calm and friendly atmosphere without interruptions. These events are given by highly qualified presenters, some are professional but others are keen amateurs with musical interests.
Meetings are held in the Raeburn Hall, United Reformed Church, Elgar Ave, Surbiton, KT5 9JR. Meetings commence at 7.45 pm with doors opening at 7 pm. They are held on Friday evenings – normally two each month.
Contact - Larry Napthine
Telephone: 01372 813724
Email: srms@tecres.net
Website: www.surbitonrms.co.uk
Tiffin Children’s Chorus
Children’s Chorus is a choir for boys and girls aged 8 -13 years, who love singing and would like to have the opportunity to sing at venues such as the Albert Hall and the Royal Opera House. Tiffin Children’s Chorus provides a range of opportunities for children including: voice development; learning to read music and singing in a range of styles.
The choir is open to children from the local area and currently we have children from Kingston, Richmond, Wimbledon and Elmbridge.
Tiffin Children’s Chorus is directed by Simon Toyne, Director of Music at Tiffin School. Rehearsals are 4-5pm on Monday’s at Tiffin School.
Contact - Alison White
Telephone: 020 8546 4638 ext 133
Email: awhite@tiffin.kingston.sch.uk
Thames Youth Orchestra
Thames Youth Orchestra was launched in 2005 and now comprises musicians from fifteen South West London schools. TYO rehearses at Tiffin Girls' School, Richmond Road, Kingston Upon Thames from 6.15 - 8.45 pm on Monday evenings during term time.
Contact - Simon Ferris (Musical Director)
Email: director@thamesyouthorchestra.co.uk
Website: www.thamesyouthorchestra.co.uk
Thames Philharmonic Choir
Performing 4-5 concerts a year in South West and Central London, most concerts are accompanied by a professional orchestra. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings throughout the year in East Sheen and Putney. New members always welcome (by audition).
Email: membership@thamesphilchoir.org.uk
Website: www.thamesphilchoir.org.uk
