All Saints' Chamber Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

All Saints' Chamber Choir, based in Gosforth, was founded in 1992 by its Artistic Director Edward Marsh.

www.chamber-choir.com

Dates for your diary

Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Alnwick and District Choral Society

Alnwick

Alnwick and District Choral Society was founded in 1933.

www.alnwickchoralsociety.co.uk

Bailiffgate Singers

Alnwick

The Bailiffgate Singers are fortunate to practice in the beautiful surroundings of The Bailiffgate Museum in Alnwick, Northumberland. We are a SATB choir of mixed abilities, under the directorship of a professional, Martin Fisher. We have 37 members and are in great need of some more men! Bass particularly.

Rehearsal night is a Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Repertoire is very varied, from Schubert to Sting! many works are sung unaccompanied.
For more information please contact Louise on 01665 714763, email: lou78.wallace@virgin.net.

Dates for your diary

Berwick Arts Choir

Berwick upon Tweed

A sixty member, mixed voice choir, based in Berwick-upon-Tweed; performing major works, both familiar and unusual, under the direction of Stewart McCormick MBE.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Thursday evenings from 7.15 - 9.15 pm at the United Reform Church, Spittal.

www.berwickartschoir.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Berwick Male Voice Choir

Berwick upon Tweed

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Billingham Oratorio Choir

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Bishop Auckland Choral Society

Bishop Auckland

The Society was formed in 1956 from Bishop Auckland Youth Choir members, Bishop Auckland Male Voice Choir and Ladies Choir.

www.dreambreed.com/bachoral

Dates for your diary

Bishopwearmouth Choral Society

Sunderland

Bishopwearmouth Choral Society is well established, having given its first performance in 1949. Since then it has provided regular concerts in Sunderland with a repertoire which has been mainly classical - sacred and secular - with occasional pieces which are more contemporary. The choir seeks to achieve a very high standard musically in the chosen works and performances are always in conjunction with professional soloists and orchestras of a very high standard.

www.bishopwearmouth.co.uk

Dates for your diary

Cappella Novocastriensis

Newcastle upon Tyne

A forty-voice ensemble, founded in 1960 by Dr Frederick Hudson to specialise in singing music for worship.

http://cappellanovocastriensis.com

Dates for your diary

Cleveland Philharmonic Choir

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Cleveland Philharmonic Choir, the largest choir on Teesside with 120 members, was founded in 1968 by Edwin Raymond. Under the leadership of John Forsyth, the current Musical Director, the choir performs large works from Early Music to Modern and includes some compositions suitable for young singers. Members of Tees Valley Youth Choir regularly sing with us. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays (7.00-9.00) at Acklam Grange School, Middlesbrough for 3 concerts a year.

Contacts:
Trevor Turner, tel/fax: 01642 590923 , email tt16md@btinternet.com
Joan Carter, Secretary, tel: 01642 656273, email: john_joan.carter@ntlworld.com

www.cleveland-philharmonic-choir.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Darlington Choral Society

Darlington

The Darlington Choral Society was born out of the Darlington Choral and Orchestral Association and has existed since the early 1900s. In 1970 the choir joined the National Federation of Music Societies, now known as "Making Music", and became the Darlington Choral Society.

www.communigate.co.uk/ne/choralsociety/

Dates for your diary

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Derwentside Choral Society

Durham

Derwentside Choral Society are a mixed voice choir of about 40 members. Rehearsals take place weekly, with breaks at Christmas, Easter and summer.

Our annual spring concert is held in April or May and is usually a full choral work. Our accompanist on piano or organ is Dr. Derek Shute who is also our rehearsal accompanist, but in alternate years we perform with an orchestra.

www.derwentsidechoralsociety.org/

Durham Choral Society

Durham

Durham Choral Society is a mixed voice choir with over 100 members. We sing two concerts a year in the prestigious setting of Durham Cathedral. The repertoire of DCS is varied, from traditional choral fare of the Bach B Minor to specially commissioned works by new composers such as Will Todd. We welcome new voices to the choir each year (see website for details) and look forward to welcoming you to Durham Cathedral for one of our upcoming concerts.

www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Durham Scratch Choir

Durham

Durham Scratch Choir is a community choir that prides itself in drawing members from all backgrounds and walks of life. In common we have an interest in singing and performing songs from many different times and traditions. We have performed gospel, doo-wop, Georgian, Balkan, contemporary English, local folk and African music. Members of the choir may have had some or no previous experience but they all enjoy the tremendous feeling that comes from singing with others in an atmosphere that is warm and friendly. There is an annual residential series of workshops (held this year in Whitby) and from time to time, there are concerts around the area.

Everyone has a voice and the choir helps you to find it and express it in different ways. Come along and give it a try!

www.durhamscratchchoir.moonfruit.com

Dates for your diary

Durham Singers

Durham

The Durham Singers is a lively and versatile choir of about 50 members: they make a point of their versatility, and the repertoire ranges from medieval to modern.

Dates for your diary

www.durham-singers.org

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Durham University Choral Society

Durham

The Choral Society is one of Durham's most prestigious musical groups. We sing two or more concerts a year, often in the Cathedral, working with professional soloists and accompanied by the University Orchestra.

www.dur.ac.uk/choral.society

Dates for your diary

Few Broth

Newcastle/Northumberland

The band have a love of all types of folk with a leaning towards 'Geordie' folk songs.

www.freewebs.com/fewbroth/

Dates for your diary

Gainford Choral Society

Durham

GCS rehearses 7.30-9.00pm on Monday evenings during term at Gainford Primary School. The choir currently comprises 35 singers. The choir was established over 30 years ago and gives concerts at Christmas and in the spring at Gainford Parish Church. GCS has toured abroad mostly to France and once to the USA. Recently the choir has performed with a chamber ensemble. The conductor is John MacKenzie and the choir's accompanist is Chris Thompson. The choir welcomes new members who ideally will have had some singing experience.

For further information contact John MacKenzie, email: john.mackenzie1@virgin.net, tel: 01325 730280.

www.gainfordsingers.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Guisborough Choral Society

Guisborough

Guisborough Choral Society was founded in 1967, we have over 60 members. We perform mainly in Guisborough. Rehearsals are held at Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough on Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm in term time.

Contact Jenny James, tel: 01642 711187, email secretary@guisboroughchoralsociety.org.uk

Dates for your diary

www.guisboroughchoralsociety.org.uk

Heaton Voices Community Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

Heaton Voices is a community choir based in Heaton in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Heaton Voices began in January 2000, set up by Richard Scott in response to the need for a community based singing group.

www.heatonvoices.org.uk

Hexham Orpheus Choir

Hexham

The Hexham Orpheus Choir performs 2 major concerts each season, plus additional smaller works through the year. We operate a no audition policy, providing a platform for people from various musical backgrounds to come together and perform a wide variety of music from Renaissance to contemporary sources.

Many choir members also belong to other choirs in the area, with some performing as soloists in their own right. Our conductor, Glenn Davis also leads the Priory Singers, Tynemouth, enabling us to join forces and perform larger choral works from time to time. The choir has an active social calendar, and new members are always made very welcome. Details on joining the choir and forthcoming concerts can be found on our website.

Rehearsals are every Wednesday, 7.30 - 9.30pm during School Term at St Joseph's School, Highford Lane, Hexham.

Contact: Tony May, tel: 07751 346487, email: info@hexham-orpheus-choir.org.uk

www.hexham-orpheus-choir.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Jesmond Choral Group

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Jesmond Choral Group (founded in 1966 as the St James's Choral Group) performs choral music regularly in and around the Newcastle upon Tyne area. The Group currently comprises around 30 members and is based at St Hilda's Church on Thornleigh Road, Jesmond, rehearsing on Tuesday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

Contact: Jonathan Scott, Music Director.

www.jesmondchoralgroup.org.uk

Dates for your diary

Lanchester Male Voice Choir

Lanchester

Lanchester Male Voice Choir was formed in 1967 and has continued without interruption.
A small, but growing choir meets at 7.30pm each Monday in the main hall of the Community Centre. All men are welcome and auditions are not required.

Contact: lanchestercommunitycentre@yahoo.co.uk

CommuniGate website

Langbaurgh Singers of Redcar

Redcar

Levendale Singers and Music Society

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Michelmas Singers

Middlesbrough, Stockton

The Michelmas Singers are a well-renowned mixed choir performing a wide range of music both unaccompanied and with orchestras, specialising in music of the 16th and 20th centuries. There are 25-30 singers giving 4-8 concerts per year.

Favourite composers include Monteverdi, Byrd, Purcell, Poulenc, Parry and Vaughan-Williams, but the choir has a very wide repertoire. They often perform music of the Baroque period with the Cleveland Consort, and are keen to perform for charities. The Musical Director is Harold Reay.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Fridays during school terms at Stockton Parish Church, from 7.30-9.30pm. Prospective members should contact michelmassingers@tiscali.co.uk

CommuniGate website

www.teesmusic.co.uk

Newcastle Choral Society

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Newcastle Choral Society is a choir of over one hundred. We perform a wide variety of works at venues around the North East with Mark Anyan (pictured) as our Musical Director since September 2007. Mark is General Manager of the National Youth Choir, a singing tutor for Durham County Music Service, and joint Musical Director for the newly formed Durham Cathedral Young Singers. We rehearse every Monday 7.30-9.30pm at St James and St Basils' Church Hall, Wingrove Road Fenham.

We are always looking for new voices, especially tenors and basses, so why not come along and join us. Contact geoff.marshall@which.net for further information.

www.communigate.co.uk/ne/ncs/

Dates for your diary

Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Newcastle upon Tyne Bach Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne


The choir, of some 90 plus members, was founded in 1915. Three concerts are given annually, one of works by J.S.Bach, one of British music, the third a contrasting programme. Throughout its history, the Newcastle upon Bach Choir has been based in the Music Department of Newcastle University. Dr Eric Cross is the musical director. The choir rehearses on Monday evenings during academic terms from 6.30 - 8.30pm, usually in the Kings Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University.

There is currently an opportunity for experienced choral singers to join the performance of the Mahler Symphony No.8 on April 26th in The Sage Gateshead - further details here.

Contact: Rose Haslam (Choir Secretary) on 0191 285 3975 email: vrhaslam@btinternet.com

www.newcastlebachchoir.org.uk

Dates for your diary

North East Gospel Choir

Newcastle upon Tyne

Leader: Sharon Durant
Sessions: Monthly, Sunday 4.30 - 6.30pm
Venue: Trinity Christian Community Centre, Freeman Road, Newcastle, NE3 1SS
For more information contact: 01670 517191, richards222@btinternet.com

North East of England Barbershop Harmony Club

Newcastle upon Tyne

North Tyne and Redewater Choral Society

Bellingham

Dates for your diary

Northern Praeclassica

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Northern Praeclassica is a small choir, nominally of twenty members, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. It was formed in 1973 to perform music of the 16th Century. Since then our repertoire has been extended to embrace music from the 11th to the 20th centuries.

The choir meets every Monday during school term-times at the home of our conductor and Musical Director, Gillian Brunton, in Newcastle.

Contact: Gillian Brunton, tel: 0191 281 2936, email: npchoir@homecall.co.uk

northernpraeclassica.homecall.co.uk

Jonathan Scott is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Opera Nova with Cleveland Youth Opera

Middlesbrough, Stockton

Opera Nova aims to provide entertainment of a professional quality in the North East of England and to develop the talents of local singers of all ages. Since our merger with Cleveland Youth Opera we particularly welcome young members.

Our most recent productions include 'Carmen', 'The Tales of Hoffmann', 'The Magic Flute' and 'Die Fledermaus', all of which were cast from local soloists and choristers from the North East.

We also present concerts and other musical events to promote opera and to support local enterprises and charities. Opera Nova has performed at venues throughout the region including The Gala Theatre Durham, Richmond's Georgian Theatre and Middlesbrough Theatre.

We are always seeking new members. You do not need to be able to sight read to sing with us and you will not have to audition, but regular attendance and enthusiasm are essential!

If you don't want to sing you can support the group as a non-performing member - to help behind the scenes (e.g. with costumes, scenery, stage management, lighting, administration etc.) and to assist with front of house duties at all events.

We rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Holy Trinity Church, Hartburn,
Stockton and we often meet socially on a regular basis.

Dates for your diary

Prudhoe Community Choir

Prudhoe

The choir benefits the local community by providing an organisation which encourages participation and interest in music across all sections of that community.

Northumberland Life website

Dates for your diary

The Priory Singers

Tynemouth

www.priorysingers.org.uk/

Dates for your diary

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Ryton Choral Society

Ryton

RCS is a mixed voice choir of about 60 members. We have a mixed repertoire, mainly classical (secular and sacred) with occasional forays into the world of Gershwin and Sondheim and the like. We are led by David Murray and Eileen Bown. We rehearse on a Tuesday night (6.50-9.00pm) at Ryton Comprehensive School and usually perform 3 main concerts a year.

Contacts:

Neil Pont (Chairman), email:neil@pontart.plus.com, tel: 0191 2774498 (work), 01661 843783 (home), 07786 823637 (mobile);

Caroline Warburton (Secretary), email: warburtonsuk@hotmail.com, tel: 01661 833614

www.rytonchoralsociety.co.uk

Dates for your diary

Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club

Middlesbrough, Stockton



About five years ago a group of men who travelled to Yorkshire for their barbershop 'fix' decided to form their own group based in the Tees Valley, thus the Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club came to be formed.

In autumn 2004 the club was officially accepted as full members of our parent body, the British Association of Barbershop Singers.

Since our foundation we have been busily building up our repertoire, improving our singing and attracting members until at present we have about 25 singers in the group, many of who had never experienced choral singing before.

This May we are taking 22 members to Cheltenham to compete at Convention, the national celebration of all things barbershop.

We are continually striving to introduce men to the joys of choral singing and to this end have organised a 'Learn to Sing' course starting September 23, lasting for 5 weeks based at Teesside University.

Feel free to drop in to any rehearsal, you will be made most welcome.
We rehearse every Tuesday at 7.30pm in the WMNT Resource Centre, Meath Street, Middlesbrough TS1 4RZ.

Contacts:
Dave Tyson (chairman) - tel: 01429 263943 email: david.tyson2@ntlworld.com
Les McGhee(chorus director) - tel: 01642 554405 email: darlington5@btconnect.com

Dates for your diary

The Singers

Newcastle upon Tyne

The Singers is a chamber choir of some 20+ singers. The choir is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, rehearsing one weekend in each month, the choir aims to maintain a sweetness and clarity of tone which is particularly appropriate for the earlier choral repertoire which is one of its specialties. The choir will be performing in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, St George's Chapel, Windsor and Southwark Cathedral during 2007.

Contact: Rose Haslam (Choir Secretary) on 0191 285 3975: email: vrhaslam@btinternet.com

www.singers.org.uk

Tynemouth Choral Society

Tynemouth

This friendly Society was formed in 1967 and meets on Monday evenings during term from 7pm to 9pm in the King's School Chapel, Tynemouth. In our two major concerts each year we perform well-loved baroque, classical and romantic music, as well as contemporary works. We also have a repertoire of lighter music including English and local Northumbrian folk Songs. There are regular social events throughout the year. New members are welcomed.

Contact: Margaret Stephenson, tel: 0191 257 3979, email: geofmgt@talktalk.net

www.tynemouthchoral.co.uk

Dates for your diary

Alex Murchie is the visitor for this group from the Making Music: North East Regional Committee.

Voicemale Men's Choir

Morpeth

We are a men's folk choir founded in February 2001 and have a current membership of 21 drawn from a wide area of Northumberland. We rehearse every Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Morpeth Methodist Church. We perform at a variety of venues and our repertoire includes a wide range of material from around the world but with particular emphasis on the British tradition and the North East.

Contact: Graham Stacy (Musical Director), email: graham.stacy@virgin.net, tel: 01669 640 382

www.voicemale.ik.com