Join Us
Join Us
Rehearsals for our Spring Term will start in January
We will hold two open rehearsals for prospective members
on 16 and 23 January 2025
Rehearsals for our Spring Term will start in January
We will hold two open rehearsals for prospective members
on 16 and 23 January 2025
The Fourth Choir is a chamber choir for advanced singers. Around half of our 50 members are former choral scholars, academy-trained musicians or music professionals, and half are experienced amateurs. We read music and are committed to putting in the necessary personal study time so the choir can master difficult music at a fairly rapid pace.
We sing with about 36 members per concert and, as a chamber choir with sometimes only four voices to each part, every voice is crucial to our sound. While every singer must pass high audition standards, we are supportive in helping singers of different abilities develop their vocal technique and musicianship.
To request an audition, fill in the form below.
We sing with about 36 members per concert and, as a chamber choir with sometimes only four voices to each part, every voice is crucial to our sound. While every singer must pass high audition standards, we are supportive in helping singers of different abilities develop their vocal technique and musicianship.
To request an audition, fill in the form below.
Our values
We are a registered charity with two objectives: spreading appreciation of choral music and the promotion of equality and diversity with particular reference to the LGBT+ community. Members of all ages (over 18), backgrounds and identities are welcome to sing with the Choir and we particularly welcome applications from singers from marginalised or underrepresented backgrounds in the classical world.
As well as talented singers, we are looking for members who support the choir's ethos and core values:
As well as talented singers, we are looking for members who support the choir's ethos and core values:
- We are proud to be a choir of LGBT+ singers and allies
- We are passionate about musical excellence, about improving our skills and having fun
- We nurture an inclusive space and celebrate diversity
- We are creative, collaborative and ambitious
- We are a supportive, big-hearted and welcoming community
Rehearsals and commitmentWe rehearse from 7:00 to 9:30 on Thursday evenings in Lambeth.
We ask for a strong commitment, not only in terms of attendance, but also to mastering the music so that the choir can stand out in the wider choral community. You will need to be able to attend weekly Thursday evening rehearsals, occasional weekend rehearsals, and be available for a range of performance opportunities throughout the year. We aim to spend rehearsals focusing on detailed work on the rep so singers will need to put in time at home learning notes and markings in order to come to rehearsal prepared to sing accurately from the score. |
Dates for joiningOur next intakes for all voice parts will be in January 2025.
Please submit your interest below, and we will get in touch with you. |
ExperienceYou need to have significant singing experience, including experience in chamber choirs. We do not usually spend time in rehearsals on individual parts so singers should have a good level of sight reading (around Grade 5 or above) or be prepared to put time in at home to learn music before rehearsal. Most members have had vocal training, and we ask members to take at least one 1-1 singing lesson per term while singing with us.
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Cost of membershipWe are supported by donations from our members to cover rehearsal costs and music. However, we don't want financial situation to affect who is able to join the choir so all donations are voluntary. Grants may also be offered to those who need support to manage costs related to participating in our activities, such as touring.
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AuditionsAt the audition, you will be asked to sing a short solo piece of your own choosing without piano accompaniment. An aria, oratorio or art song would be appropriate – suggestions can be provided if you need. We will also ask you to do some singing exercises to explore your range, and a short sight reading exercise. Please do not prepare a musical theatre or pop song for the audition.
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