The Early Music Choir programme was established in 2016 in response to demand from singers for opportunities to sing Early Music on a regular basis in a relaxed and sociable environment. The choir meets monthly between September and July for a 3-hour workshop rehearsal, Singers may attend as many or as few rehearsals as they wish on a pay-as-you-go basis; there are no concert performances. The choir embraces a wide range of experience and ability. There are no auditions, but some previous experience of reading music and singing in a choir is helpful.
Philip Redfern, the founding musical director of the Choir, worked tirelessly to establish and grow the choir, and left it in very good shape when he stepped down in the summer of 2023. Philip was succeeded by Michael Cameron-Longden. Michael is a freelance bass singer and teacher who also conducts Cathures Chamber Choir in Glasgow and Hillfoot Harmony in Dollar.
Choir members and other singers are encouraged to take part in occasional Saturday choral workshops organised by EMFS and tutored by professional choral conductors. The most recent workshop, in March 2023 was led by David Allinson and featured music for Palm Sunday by a number of Renaissance composers including Weelkes, Victoria, Guerrero and Lassus. This workshop was highly praised by those who took part - one singer said "some wonderful music… and some high-quality singing and blend, I thought. David is a terrific director."
See the Events Page for our next meetings.
For further information about the choirs please contact Margaret West.
