We are a friendly amateur choir with about 55 members in Banstead, Surrey.
Founded in 1922, we sing all sorts of music from the 16th century to the modern day and stage three concerts a year (usually in November, March and June) accompanied by professional soloists and musicians. Our recent concerts have included Bach's Christmas Oratorio, opera choruses and music by Tchaikowsky and other Russian composers. Click here to see all our past concerts.
In addition, we have singing workshops, fund-raising events and concert tours; we have just returned from a tour to the German Rhineland.
Rehearsals
We rehearse weekly during term-times at Banstead Community Junior School, The Horseshoe, Banstead SM7 2BQ.
We are now on our summer break but rehearsals restart on Thursday 3 September at 7.45-9.45pm. We will be rehearsing Haydn's Creation for our autumn concert on Saturday 28 November. This is a very popular work adn we welcome new singers of any voice part to join us for this work.
New singers
New singers are always welcome! Do come along to a rehearsal to try us out. You may have sung in a choir (maybe many years ago!) before but don't worry if you have no choir experience.
We sing from printed music so ideally you will be able to read music or at least follow your part. We provide a range of rehearsal aids to help you practice your part at home. We stream rehearsals live online so you can still join in if you are away or unable to get to a rehearsal.
After a few weeks, our conductor Ed will meet you for a voice check to make sure you're singing the part best suited to your voice and suggest ways to improve your sound. The voice check is intended to be constructive - Ed will put you at your ease, it takes just 10 minutes and is in a private room.
Subscriptions
Full choir members pay an annual subscription of £275. There is a 50% discount for Under 25's and Under 18s are free.
We know new members need time to decide whether to join so your first two rehearsals are free.
Get in touch
If you're looking for a friendly local choir to join, do get in touch with Liz, Membership Secretary to find out more.
Our Professional Musicians
Edward Walters was appointed Music Director in July 2025 after serving a year as interim director.
Ed is a baritone and conductor based in London. Recently appointed the Director of Music at St Magnus the Martyr, London Bridge, he is the founder of the chamber group Paddington Ensemble and, during his time at Durham University, the Castle Chamber Choir and Orchestra.
Previously a Section Leader in the National Youth Choir and Choral Scholar at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Ed also works as a Russian language vocal coach, having collaborated with Tenebrae, the Epiphoni Consort, and others.
Ian le Grice has been accompanist to St Cecilia Chorus since 1983.
He was a junior exhibitioner at the Royal College of Music and a chorister at the Temple Church, London and went on to be assistant organist there for many years.
He is also accompanist to Croydon Philharmonic Choir and Reigate St Mary's Choir School.
Ian was elected as President of St Cecilia Chorus in September 2026.
