"An audaciously ambitious ensemble"
Michael White, Music Correspondent for The New York Times
Michael White, Music Correspondent for The New York Times
Three Years - New release for April 23
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Celebrating the anniversary of death of William Shakespeare
In 2016, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, we had a competition to set to music some of the 126 sonnets he wrote describing his love for a young man. We received 96 entries from 17 countries around the world and the winner was Three Years (Sonnet 104) by Ian Lawson of Wales. In Sonnet 104, using seasonal imagery, Shakespeare tells us that his relationship with the man has gone on for three years, and even though he has grown older, he can never lose his beauty in the eyes of his lover. Available on all digital channels on April 23. To me, fair friend, you never can be old For as you were when first your eye I eye Such seems your beauty still. Three winters cold Have from the forests shook three summers’ pride Three beauteous springs to yellow autumn turned In process of the seasons have I seen, Three April perfumes in three hot Junes burned, Since first I saw you fresh, which yet are green. Ah, yet doth beauty, like a dial-hand, Steal from his figure, and no pace perceived; So your sweet hue, which methinks still doth stand, Hath motion, and mine eye may be deceived: For fear of which, hear this, thou age unbred: Ere you were born was beauty’s summer dead. |
In My Troubled days - new release for April 10
Remembering Alvin Chua
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We are enormously saddened to hear that Alvin Chua, who sang tenor with The Fourth Choir for several years, passed away on 3 April while being treated for COVID-19. Alvin was a warm, generous and well-loved member of the choir who brought us joy through his musicianship and friendship. Alvin threw his energy into both our concerts and the supportive and social side of the choir that means so much to us. We offer our deepest condolences to his partner Joe, his family - his mum Molly, sister Althea, brother-in-law Andrew and nephews Alex and Asher - and friends, and remember warmly the times and music we shared together.
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Support our NHS specialists
Another former Choir member, Amnon Shaked, who sang with the Choir in the early days at the same time as Alvin, has also had a bad time with the virus but we are pleased and relieved to tell you that he is now recovering well. Amnon’s husband, Stephane, is an Intensive Care specialist at the Royal Brompton Hospital where he caught the virus and brought it home to Amnon. Stephane is trained to treat patients with a highly-specialised machine called an ECMO which can do the work of both the heart and lungs of patients who are in cardiac arrest but who also have respiratory problems. The Royal Brompton currently has 50 patients in their Intensive Care Unit and 18 of them require ECMO so their charity has launched an Emergency Appeal to to buy another ECMO machine. These machines cost £56k but the Appeal has already raised £54k so a few more donations would help them reach their target. Amnon says that he and Stephane would be extremely grateful if people could support the Appeal by making a donation here:
We are London's LGBT + chamber choir for advanced singers
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The Fourth Choir was founded in September 2013 by a group of LGBT + singers aspiring to sing classical and modern choral works to the highest possible standard. Led by the highly acclaimed Dominic Ellis-Peckham, one of the UK’s finest young choral conductors, our goal is to represent the LGBT + community on London’s world-class classical music scene.
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What the critics say
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"There are few places I’d rather be at Christmastime than crooning carols in the Wooden O with Toksvig, her merry eight-strong cast and singers from the Fourth Choir."
The Guardian on Christmas at the (Snow) Globe at Shakespeare's Globe 
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"The Fourth Choir were faultless in their skill and dedication, especially the enchanting sopranos, and it was clear that much passion, dedication and love had gone into this project, with each composition meticulously selected."
The Upcoming on Stonewall Warriors at Heaven on the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots |
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“In a moving big finale, the Fourth Choir floods through the venue singing the Pet Shop Boys’ Liberation, each holding a candle. And everything seems that little bit brighter."
Time Out on After Edward at Shakespeare's Globe 
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“A powerful, poignant performance”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, at the 2019 National UK National Holocaust Memorial in Westminster |
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"The closing track, "If We Only Had Love," finds Jungr and Safir alone in the company of the twenty-one member Fourth Choir who provide lush accompaniment for her rendition of Brel's epic hymn to love. A stunning way to conclude this stunning album."
All About Jazz on Barb Jungr: Bob, Brel & Me 
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