Join us
Do you want to sing in an adventurous chamber choir with friendly, like-minded individuals, under the direction of top-class choral conductor Patrick Allies?
Our membership is about thirty experienced singers drawn from south-west London and north Surrey who come together to rehearse near Esher. We share a love of singing early music, whilst enjoying the challenge and variety of our diverse and distinctive programmes. We are a friendly and supportive group who enjoy the camaraderie and friendships made through choir membership.
We welcome enquiries from experienced choral singers of all voice parts who enjoy singing in a smaller choir.
For further details or to express your interest in joining us, please contact Lisa via ku.gro.riohconeipirnull@nioj.
Young singers
The Ripieno Choir are keen to foster aspiring young musicians:
- We run a scholarship scheme for young singers who are either studying music or starting out in a musical career, and aspire to be a professional musician.
- Our innovative Apprentice conductor scheme supports musicians who wish to be an organ scholar at university, where skills in conducting ensembles is expected. Our Associate Conductor, Mary Offer, is an alumni of our Apprentice Conductor scheme.
- We also welcome sixth form or gap year students who may be interested in short-term membership, for example in preparation for a university choral scholarship. Vacancies are limited, but please contact us to discuss if you are interested.
For further details or to express your interest in joining us, please contact Lisa via ku.gro.riohconeipirnull@nioj.
Rehearsals
Our intense but thoroughly enjoyable weekly rehearsals take place on Sunday evenings from 7.45 to 9.45 at Our Lady of Lourdes, Hampton Court Way, Thames Ditton, KT7 0LP.
We usually rehearse for 10 weeks prior to our main concert each term, with additional rehearsals to brush up on our carols or to prepare for awaydays and tours. Being a small choir, where every voice counts, members are expected to attend at least 80% of rehearsals.
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The audition process
Interested singers are invited to attend our rehearsals for a trial period to decide if we are the right fit. You will then be invited to a short audition consisting of vocal exercises, a prepared piece of your choice, and sight-reading (usually a piece from the Renaissance period). Members are expected to re-audition every three years.