We are a friendly amateur choir of about 65 members in Banstead, Surrey founded in 1922. We sing all sorts of choral music from the 16th century to the modern day and stage three concerts a year accompanied by professional soloists and orchestras.
We have a busy social calendar and extra singing workshops and we also make concert tours, most recently to Avignon in June 2023 where we performed four concerts.
We are always open to new singers so if you are looking for a choir, why not come and try us out? The start of each term is the best time to join as we learn new music. You don't need to have sung in a choir before or had any vocal training, but you do need to be able to read music.
Rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7.45-9.45pm at Banstead Community Junior School, The Horseshoe, Banstead SM7 2BQ. Come and join a few rehearsals and see what its like - do get in touch with June our chair to find out more.
After a few weeks, our conductor Ed will meet you for a voice check (in a small group if you prefer) to make sure you're singing the part best suited to your voice. He will suggest some things you might want to work on to improve your sound.
Full choir members normally pay an annual subscription (which works out at about £5 per rehearsal and includes music hire) but all new members get their first term free.
All full-time students get free membership for up to three years.
You will need to provide your own concert dress as follows:
Women:
Black trousers (or full length skirt)
Long-sleeved black top
Long-sleeved top in any bright colour
Men:
Black trousers
Black shirt
Black jacket (optional)
Our Professional Musicians
James Dixon is currently on sabbatical.
He was appointed Music Director of St Cecilia Chorus in September 2017. Since moving to the UK from Sydney in 2012 to study Choral Conducting at the Royal Academy of Music, he has been in demand as a choral specialist and educator in London, across the UK, France, Singapore and Australia. Working in styles ranging from Gregorian chant to the latest hits, James has a passion for music of the Renaissance and the French and German Romantic schools.
James is also the Director of Music at St Francis of Assisi, Notting Hill and Musical Director of Opus XVI Chamber Choir, Streatham.
Edward Walters is Interim Music Director during James Dixon's sabbatical.
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 the 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.
