We’re 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 9 November 2025 on the Barbican stage.
Whether you’re already an enthusiastic singer, or have always wanted to give singing a go, you’re invited to take part. You don’t need any prior experience of singing, and you don’t need to be able to read music. We’ll be providing a range of learning materials, suitable for all abilities, to help you get to know the pieces that will be performed.
Individuals, amateur choirs and singing groups are all welcome to register. Read on for more information, and apply by Friday 18 July using the sign-up form.
It’s 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
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.
Thomas is a passionate advocate for gospel music. ‘Gospel music does not apologise,’ he says. ‘It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it. 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 St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, on Gresham Street. Dress rehearsals and the concert will take place at the Barbican.
We ask that all participants are able to commit to attending at least seven of nine rehearsals, plus the rehearsals on 3, 5 and 8 November, which are compulsory.
Rehearsal Dates
Rehearsals take place at St Lawrence Jewry next Guildhall, from 6.30– 8.30pm, unless otherwise stated.
- Monday 8 September 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 15 September 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 22 September 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 29 September 6.30– 8.30pm
- Saturday 4 October 10am–5pm
- Monday 6 October 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 13 October 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 20 October 6.30– 8.30pm
- Monday 27 October 6.30– 8.30pm
Dress Rehearsal and Concert Dates
- Monday 3 November 6.30– 8.30pm, LSO St Lukes
- Wednesday 5 November 6.30–9.30pm, LSO St Lukes
- Saturday 8 November 10am–1pm: Dress Rehearsal, Barbican Hall
- Sunday 9 November 7pm: Concert at Barbican Hall
Apply
Applications are open until Friday 18 July 5pm BST.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact:
Izzy Way Schools and Partnerships Project Manager
isobel.way@lso.co.uk
