We are building a huge chorus of 250 people from our local community to sing with the LSO and Associate Artist André J Thomas as part of our Symphonic Gospel concert on 3 November on the Barbican stage.
Whether you are already an enthusiastic singer, or have always wanted to give singing a go, you’re invited to take part. A range of learning materials will be provided for all abilities to get to know the pieces which will be performed. You don’t need any prior experience of singing, and you don’t need to be able to read music.
Individuals, amateur choirs and singing groups are all welcome to register. Apply by Friday 2 August using the sign up form below.
Having taken part in the October 2022 gospel concert, I just knew I had to do it again. It’s some of the most uplifting, joyous and fun music that I’ve ever sung, and in 2023 the Community Voices were even more enthusiastic than ever. It’s also a huge thrill to perform on the Barbican Hall stage with one of the greatest orchestras in the world – not many people can say they’ve done that! If you’ve never sung gospel before, you’ll learn new skills; and even if you have, you’re guaranteed new friends and musical sunshine through the autumn.
Robin, Community Voices Member in 2022 & 2023
About the Concert
The concert will bring together modern gospel music with the sounds of a symphony orchestra, and is curated and conducted by choral and gospel singing expert André J Thomas. This will be the fourth such concert with the LSO and André J Thomas, and will also feature the London Symphony Chorus.
Thomas says of the concert: ‘Gospel music does not apologise. It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it. [. . .] The atmosphere will go back and forth between up-beat and meditative. The music is all about hope for a new world. I hope that people will leave feeling uplifted. I want people to feel better than they did when they walked through the door.’
Rehearsal Schedule
Weekly rehearsals led by choir director David Lawrence will take place on Monday evenings at LSO St Luke’s. Dress rehearsals and the concert will take place at the Barbican.
We ask that all participants are able to commit to attending at seven of nine rehearsals, plus the rehearsals on 28 & 30 October, and 2 November, which are compulsory.
Rehearsal Dates
Rehearsals take place at LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street, EC1V 9NG, from 6.45–8.45pm, unless otherwise stated.
Mon 2 Sept – 18:45-20:45
Mon 9 Sept – 18:45-20:45
Mon 16 Sept – 18:45-20:45
Mon 23 Sept – 18:45-20:45
Mon 30 Sept – 18:45-20:45
Sat 5 Oct – 10:00-16:00 (with an hour lunch)
Mon 7 Oct – 18:45-20:45
Mon 14 Oct – 18:45-20:45* Alt Venue
Mon 21 Oct – 18:45-20:45
Dress Rehearsal and Concert Dates
Mon 28 Oct – 18:45-20:45* Alt Venue
Wed 30 Oct – 18:30 – 21:00
Sat 2 Nov – 10:00 – 13:00* Dress Rehearsal
Sunday 3 November – 7pm Concert at Barbican Hall
How to Apply
Applications have now closed, if you have signed up please check your email for confirmation before September. Please get in touch if you are a Tenor or Bass and are interested in this opportunity.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact:
Molly Moran Concerts & Choral Co-ordinator
lso.choirs@lso.co.uk | 020 7382 2526
