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.
"Group singing is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking, and certainly more fun than working out."
What we do
Guided by our three professional musicians – Music Director Laurence Williams and our Assistant Music Directors Ben Markovic and Craig Hudson – 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
What's next
This term we are rehearsing Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem for our next concert on Saturday 29th March at St Swithun’s Church, East Grinstead. As the title suggests, we are performing this extremely moving work in the original German and in a version for choir, Soprano and Baritone soloists and piano duet. Works by Schubert will complement the programme. This concert will be our current MD’s final concert with us before he takes up his position as Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Ontario.
Spring term dates
You would be welcome to join any of our rehearsals. Just turn up and let us know you are new. Rehearsals take place every Thursday during term-time.
First rehearsal: 9th January 2025
Half-term break: 20th February 2025
Workshop: 8th March 2025
Final rehearsal: 27th March 2025
Concert: 29th March 2025, St Swithun’s: Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem and works by Franz Schubert
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.
