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.
New singers are always welcome and we encourage you to come along to a rehearsal or two and 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 can read music. We provide a range of rehearsal aids so you can practice your part at home.
We rehearse weekly during term-times at Banstead Community Junior School, The Horseshoe, Banstead SM7 2BQ. We stream rehearsals live online so you can still join in if you are away or unable to get to a rehearsal.
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.
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.
Full choir members normally pay an annual subscription (which works out at about £7 per rehearsal) but all new members get their first term free.
If you're looking for a friendly local choir to join from September, do get in touch with Alison our Chair 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 President of St Cecilia Chorus in September 2026.
