We’re recruiting!
We are looking forward to rebuilding and refreshing the choir with our new musical director, Ben Kirk. In particular, under Ben’s leadership, we are on a mission to sing beautiful music from beyond the standard UK choral tradition, as well as some of our audience’s favourite pieces. We start the new season with Brahms Fünf Gesänge, Clara Schumann Drei Gemischte Chöre and Arvo Pärt La Dopo Vittoria.
We are on the lookout for new full-time singers for all parts: perhaps people who have moved to the area and are looking for a high-quality chamber choir, or singers who want to sing interesting music with a small, friendly ensemble.
In particular, we are looking for our next intake of interns. Our interns scheme gives talented young singers the chance to sing with us for a year free of charge, to build their musical experience. Previous interns have joined us during their sixth forms, and before going on to university or music college.
If you are interested in joining The Lea Singers, please email [email protected]. You will be invited to join a couple of rehearsals to see if you like us, before auditioning with our musical director. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings at St George’s School, Harpenden.
Announcing our new conductor
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed our thirteenth conductor, Ben Kirk.
Brahms Requiem on sale
Tickets for our next concert on 21 May are now on sale. We will be performing Brahms Requiem, conducted by the wonderful Quintin Beer. This version of the Requiem has a piano duo accompaniment arranged by Brahms himself for its London premiere.
Last night’s concert, and Brahms Requiem
Last night’s concert of Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil at St Albans Cathedral was a very special occasion for us – our first serious concert in two years, set against the awful background of the current conflict. This is a performance that will linger in the memory for a long time. The retiring collection raised just over £1000 for British-Ukrainian Aid – thank you for your generosity towards this important cause.
Our next concert will be Brahms Requiem in St Nicholas Church, Harpenden – postponed from last year due to Covid. This is on 21 May – tickets to go on sale shortly.
Rachmaninov Vespers in the Lady Chapel
Tickets are now on sale for our next concert, which is only a few weeks away – Saturday 12 March – in the Lady Chapel of St Albans Cathedral. We are working hard on our Church-Slavonic pronunciation… Many thanks to Frank Althaus of The Russian Language Centre for coming to Harpenden to coach us.
We are looking for a new Musical Director
The Lea Singers are looking to appoint a new Musical Director later in 2022. Information on the role and how to apply are in the job description. The deadline for applications is 11 February.