About us
In just 25 years…
…Crouch End Festival Chorus has established itself as one Britain’s major choruses, and has gained both national and international recognition. Based in north London, the choir grew from a small start: enthusiasts handing out leaflets outside a local supermarket in summer 1984 asking for singers for Verdi’s Requiem. In 2008 the choir returned to this work - this time in its fifth BBC Proms appearance at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s a measure of how far the chorus has come in a relatively short time.
With some 150 singers on its books, the chorus is known for its versatility and eclectic repertoire, ranging from the traditional classical works to modern and specially commissioned pieces. Recent performances include music by Bach, Beethoven, Britten, Bernstein and even The Beach Boys.
Recent highlights
In January 2005 CEFC performed John Adams’s Harmonium at the Barbican Hall in the presence of the composer; in November 2007 CEFC joined the BBC Symphony and Philharmonia Choruses in a revival of John Foulds’s monumental A World Requiem at the Royal Albert Hall. In June 2008, singers performed two outdoor concerts with The Kinks’ Ray Davies following a collaboration at the Electric Proms the year before; and in December 2007 the chorus performed for a third time with legendary film composer Ennio Morricone at the Hammersmith Apollo. CEFC is delighted to have Maestro Morricone, Ray Davies and Bryn Terfel among its patrons.
The choir has commissioned works from Simon Bainbridge, Howard Haigh, Orlando Gough, Sally Beamish, John Woolrich, David Bedford, Joby Talbot, Paul Patterson and Matthew Ferraro.
Recent recording work includes the soundtrack to Disney’s Narnia film Prince Caspian, recorded at Abbey Road, as well as albums by Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe and Travis, and a third session for the BBC’s Doctor Who. CEFC is also in demand from top UK promoters.
Crouch End Festival Chorus is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a typically eclectic and exciting year, starting with a major premiere at the Barbican: The Tension of Opposites by Matthew Ferraro. It will also embark on more ambitious education and outreach work, including a special workshop and performance with local schools, with funding from Budgens in Crouch End.
The chorus gratefully acknowledges financial support from the PRS Foundation and the Britten-Pears Foundation.
CEFC patrons
Crouch End Festival Chorus is proud to have these distinguished musical figures as patrons:
Meirion Bowen
Ray Davies CBE
Sir Colin Davis CH CBE
Sir Mark Elder CBE
Ennio Morricone
Alison Pearce
Bryn Terfel CBE
CEFC management and operation
The Chorus is directed by David Temple, and its accompanists are Peter Jaekel and Paul Ayres. The management and support work is carried out by choir members. Please see our Trustee and Committee contacts page for further information and contact details.
For more information on any aspect of the choir and its work, please contact Duncan McAlpine on 0844 736 5220 ext. 40 or email pr.marketing@cefc.org.uk.