Although CEFC is primarily a 'classical choir' – excelling in works like Britten's War Requiem, Mahler's 8th Symphony and Bach's St John Passion, it is a choir which offers SO much more and occupies a unique place in the world of choral singing. Last year, the choir appeared with Andrea Bocelli in Hyde Park, then performed Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert in Kings College Chapel, Cambridge and finally sang the Verdi Requiem in the BBC Proms.
Most similar choirs are linked to orchestras and sing the repertoire they are instructed to. CEFC has its own artistic programme and, over the course of a season, offers new and exciting challenges for its singers in a mix of the choir's own promotions alongside external engagements which can range from singing Christmas music with King's College Chapel choir to the latest blockbuster Video Games scores at the Royal Albert Hall.
Our music director, David Temple, likes a particular type of voice - one which is 'natural' and not overly trained. He works with the choir to produce the right sound to fit the music so that the choir becomes a musical 'chameleon', changing its colour for each style of singing.
Crouch End Festival Chorus has never reached out for business. All the work which comes our way is a mixture of 'word of mouth' recommendation and repeat business, from extremely satisfied promoters, film companies, rock bands, classical orchestras and the BBC. This is all testament to the quality and sound of the choir.
CEFC is a friendly and vibrant choir and its members enjoy the social side of being together as much as the music. A large group of people venture to a nearby pub for a drink after rehearsals, others share a bite to eat before performances and there's always an opportunity to catch up with choir friends over a slice of cake and coffee in the rehearsal break.
We actively work towards being diverse and inclusive in all aspects of our operation, from audiences, to membership to repertoire. We have singers from a wide mix of backgrounds and ages, and a commitment to singing music and performing alongside people from under-represented groups.
If all that sounds appealing, why not get in touch? Although we currently only have vacancies for tenors and basses, we keep a waiting list for other parts so that we can audition new singers when there is a space in their section.
J.S. Bach: St John Passion
Ennio Morricone: The Mission: On Earth as it is in Heaven