About us:

Southend Festival Chorus is a vibrant community based choir with members from all age ranges and backgrounds. The choirs’ repertoire has included the classics such as Mozarts’ Requiem, Elgars’ Dream of Gerontius and contemporary works such as Tippetts’ Child Of Our Time. Under the baton of our energetic Musical Director, Tom Appleton, the choir has succeeded in performing a cappella and accompanied works which are less well known or rarely performed. This has broadened the musical horizons of choir and audience members alike.

In October 2011, Southend Festival Chorus gave the world premiere of Richard Allains Vespers, which the choir commissioned. This exciting work reflects the coastal heritage of Southend on Sea and as well as the choir includes soloists, childrens choir and handbell ringers.

We also enjoy our annual Christmas concert where we are joined by local childrens choirs.

Choir members regularly sing at weddings and are available for hire. To hire Southend Festival Chorus for your event, please contact the secretary Jess Ellis.

In October 2009, the Chorus travelled to Normandy to perform in the magnificent Rouen Cathedral and Fecamp Abbey. A group of over 100 people including choir members, family and friends travelled to the North of France and The Chorus received a standing ovation for their performances of the Victoria Requiem and Schützs’ Musikalische Exequien. In May 2012, the choir will be touring northern England including a performance in Ripon Cathedral.

The Chorus always welcomes new members and anyone interested in joining should contact the Membership secretary Georgina Davies on 01268 777541 or email Georgina for details on how to audition.