The Chamber Choir is a small, friendly ensemble within the Civil Service Choir, offering singers the chance to work in a close‑knit group and explore repertoire that is often a little more stretching than that of the main choir, or where there is less rehearsal time available. Singing in a smaller ensemble means every voice really matters, making it a great way to build confidence, develop musicianship and enjoy detailed ensemble singing. It’s ideal for singers who relish a musical challenge and close ensemble work. The Chamber Choir is auditioned from the main choir membership, but auditions are relaxed and supportive, normally held in small groups rather than solo, using material from that term – they help us keep the group well balanced in terms of voices and standard, and enjoyable for everyone.
Rehearsals usually take place on Tuesday evenings for around eight weeks in the lead‑up to performances, and we aim to give at least two performances each year. As a small group working to a tight rehearsal schedule, we do rely on everyone spending a bit of time practising the music independently between rehearsals. That way we can use our time together for the really rewarding stuff — shaping the music, listening to each other and enjoying the ensemble — rather than spending lots of rehearsal time on note‑bashing. Many members join after spending some time in the main choir, but experienced new joiners to the main choir are very welcome to also express an interest.
Recent performances by the chamber choir have included works by Fanny Hensel, Cecelia McDowall, Lucy Walker, Charpentier, Ronald Corp, Poulenc, Gounod, Tůma and Pergolesi.
