East Grinstead Choral Society

We are a non-auditioned choir, sharing the joy of performing inspirational music.

Who we are

Founded over seventy years ago, East Grinstead Choral Society is a choir of non-auditioned singers who love coming together to make music in a supportive atmosphere, learning new skills along the way. Our aim is to inspire a passion for music and singing, both in performers and in audiences, in the local community.

Singing is a joy, and everyone at EGCS knows the uplifting feeling experienced when singing together. Singing is also beneficial for your health and well-being; it lifts your mood, can help you relax and boost your confidence. The quote below probably sums up the views of many of our members.

We invite you to explore our website and join us for rehearsals on Thursday evenings at St Swithun’s Church, East Grinstead. Details of next term’s rehearsals can be found here.

"Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than working out."

What we do

Guided by our professional musicians – Music Director Craig Hudson and our Assistant Music Director Ben Markovic – we rehearse for, and then perform, three concerts per season with professional soloists and instrumentalists. Our repertoire is varied and aims to provide sufficient challenge to the choir and be popular with our audiences.

How we do it

Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7.15pm – 9.30 pm at St Swithun’s Church, East Grinstead. New singers can enjoy two free “taster” rehearsals before committing to membership for the season. We work hard in rehearsals, but we also have a great deal of fun! Please get in touch via our Contact page if you would like to come along to any of our rehearsals. We would love to see you there!

What's next

This term we are rehearsing Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore for our final concert of the 2024 – 2045 season to be performed on Sunday 6^th July at Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead. H.M.S. Pinafore or The Lass That Loved a Sailor is a comic opera in two acts and the choir will be joined by professional G + S soloists and a “pit orchestra”. Rehearsals start on 24th April.

Summer term dates

You would be welcome to join any of our rehearsals. Please get in touch beforehand via our Contact page, so that we know to expect you. Rehearsals take place every Thursday during term-time.

First rehearsal: 24th April 2025

Half-term break: 29th May 2025

Workshop: 7th June 2025 (afternoon)

Final rehearsal: 3rd July 2025

Concert: 6th July 2025, Chequer Mead: Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore in concert performance.

All rehearsals are held at St Swithun’s Church from 7.15 pm to 9.30 pm. Limited car parking is available at the church and more at the nearby car parks on Church Lane. St Swithun’s is fully accessible.

MD Appointment

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Wilcox as our MD from September 2025.

HMS Pinafore

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