# Eltham Choral Society ## Posts - [Vacancy: Musical Director, Eltham Choral Society](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/vacancy-musical-director-eltham-choral-society/): A rare opportunity has arisen to become Musical Director of Eltham Choral Society, as sadly, after ten years, our valued musical director, Max Barley, is leaving us due to relocation. The choir is one of the oldest in London, having been established in 1882. We sing a varied, mainly classical repertoire, but also contemporary works some of which are especially commissioned for ECS from modern composers including Edmund JoliIe, Bob Chilcott, Gareth Treseder and Esther Bersweden. We are especially proud of our talented choral scholars who lead each section and, depending on repertoire, sing solos in our concerts. Essential Skills […] - [A Merry Christmas from ECS](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/a-merry-christmas-from-ecs/): The Eltham Choral Society, delighted to be accompanied by Father Christmas himself, concluded the year with a splendid afternoon of carol singing on Eltham high street, raising valuable funds for the wonderful Demelza Children’s Hospice. Members of ECS shall now be taking a well-deserved festive break and look forward to resuming rehearsals on 8th January 2026, as we prepare for our performance of Brahms’ German Requiem this coming April. The Society wishes you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. With warmest seasonal greetings,Eltham Choral Society - [ECS Christmas Concert Success 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-christmas-concert-success-2025/): Eltham Choral Society is delighted to report on the success of last night’s concert performance of Messiah. Both audience and choir thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and we extend our sincere appreciation to our conductor Max and accompanist Andrew. We are particularly grateful to our choral scholars and orchestra, whose outstanding musicianship made an invaluable contribution to the performance. The evening was enhanced by the beautiful singing of the children from Deansfield Primary School, and we were pleased to raise funds for Demelza Children’s Hospice through our hamper raffle. Eltham Choral Society wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a […] - [ECS Christmas Concert - 12th December 2026](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-christmas-concert-12th-december-2026/): Christmas Concert 2026 Concert starts at 7:30pm Venue TBA Organ: Andrew Lenon Extracts from the Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Plus, Carols for choir and audience. Venue TBA - [2025/26 ECS Choral Scholar Spotlight: Eva Hutchins (Mezzo-Soprano)](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/2025-26-ecs-choral-scholar-spotlight-eva-hutchins-mezzo-soprano/): We are delighted to introduce one of our new 2025/26 choral scholars… Eva Hutchins (Mezzo-Soprano) Eva Hutchins is a 21 year old mezzo-soprano from the High Peak. She is in her final year of undergraduate vocal studies at Trinity Laban training under Yolanda Grant-Thompson and Panaretos Kyriatzidis. Whilst studying at Trinity she has been part of the Old Royal Naval College Chapel Choir, Trinity Laban Chamber Choir and part of the chorus in Trinity Laban’s summer productions of Dido’s Ghost by Errollyn Wallen and Frankenstein by Libby Larsen, in addition to various postgraduate opera scenes. She most recently performed as […] - [ECS Christmas Craft Fair 2025 - Saturday 29 November 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-christmas-craft-fair-2025-free-entry/): Saturday 29 November 2025, 11am – 2pm, Free Entry. Discover the variety of local crafts on display. Ideal for Christmas gifts and much more. Enjoy… St. Mary’s Centre, 180 Eltham High Street, SE9 1BJ Telephone: 020 8850 2040 - [2025/26 ECS Choral Scholar Spotlight: Daniel (Baritone)](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/2025-26-ecs-choral-scholar-spotlight-daniel-baritone/): We are delighted to introduce one of our new 2025/26 choral scholars… Daniel Simpson (Baritone) Raised in Yorkshire, Daniel Simpson sang with Opera North Children’s and Youth Chorus from 2011 to 2021. He studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in Greenwich where he has completed B.Mus. (honours) Vocal Studies programme. With Opera North, his performances included work as varied as Billy Budd (midshipman) in Opera North’s main stage touring production, Pirates of Penzance at the Edinburgh Fringe and Harrogate G & S festival and the Selfish Giant (lead solo) at Leeds Grand Theatre and the Northern Aldborough festival.He was a scholar […] - [ECS' Come & Sing Success](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-come-sing-success/): On Thursday 16 October 2025, ECS performed Mozart Requiem at a Come & Sing event in St. Luke’s Church, Eltham. There’s something special about Come & Sing events – they have such a welcoming, community spirit that brings together experienced singers and newcomers alike. The Mozart Requiem is a magnificent piece to perform, and it was moving to hear it come together. “What a wonderful evening!” Thank you to our wonderful choral scholars Grace Oliver, Eva Hutchins and Daniel Simpson who sang the solo parts in their first official event with ECS. Thanks too to Philip Lawford, tenor, who stepped […] - [2025/26 ECS Choral Scholar Spotlight: Grace (Soprano)](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/2025-26-ecs-choral-scholar-spotlight-grace-soprano/): We are delighted to introduce one of our new 2025/26 choral scholars… Grace Oliver (Soprano) Grace Oliver is a 24-year-old soprano about to begin her Masters studies at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She enjoys a wide range of repertoire from early choral music to contemporary song and operatic works. Grace began singing aged eight as a chorister at Middlesbrough Cathedral, under music director Tim Harrison, where she went on to be Head Chorister and, later, Soprano Scholar. During her undergraduate studies, Grace was proud to be chosen to represent Trinity Laban at the Junior Kathleen Ferrier award. In […] - [ECS and Queen Victoria](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-and-queen-victoria/): Last week I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the East Wing of Buckingham Palace where we got to see the famous balcony from the inside. On the way we passed a painting called “God Save the Queen” by John Charlton depicting the scene outside St Paul’s Cathedral celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. On the steps in the middle with his back to us but discernible by the red stripe down his back, is Eltham Choral Society’s very first conductor, Sir George Martin, conducting his own Te Deum written for the occasion. - [ECS Autumn Term 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-autumn-term-2025/): Our Autumn Term 2025 will start on Thursday 11th September at 19:30 We are really looking forward to kickstarting the term and welcoming our four new ECS choral scholars. This term, we will be singing Mozart’s Requiem (New Novello edition). If you know any friends or family who enjoy singing, please encourage them to come along to our rehearsals or join our ‘Come & Sing’ on 16 October 2025. Find out more here. - [Come and Sing Mozart's Requiem with ECS](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/come-and-sing-mozarts-requiem-with-ecs/): Thursday 16 October 2025 at St Luke’s Church, Eltham This October, ECS will host a ‘Come & Sing’ at St Luke’s Church, Westmount Road, Eltham, SE9 1XQ. We will perform Mozart’s Requiem. Not familiar? Click here to read more about the piece on Classic FM. Interested to be in the audience? You can support your local community choir by attending our ‘Come & Sing’. It is free to attend with a retiring collection should you wish to donate to the choir. The concert starts at 20:15 on Thursday 16 October 2025. Interested to guest perform with ECS? The fee to […] - [ECS Tour to Dorset June 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-tour-to-dorset-june-2025/): The pandemic had put paid to our plans for an ECS tour abroad in 2020 and this was our first venture organising a tour since then. We decided a venue in the UK was our safest bet to begin within terms of travel – after all a direct line train journey to Weymouth from Waterloo – what could possibly go wrong? Well these bedraggled travellers could tell you… We were aware there had been signalling problems along the line but had been reassured everything would be fixed – however, the train ground to a halt at Wool and everyone had […] - [ECS Summer Concert - 11th July 2026](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-summer-concert-11th-july-2026/): Concert starts at 7:30pm Venue TBA Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon A selection of well known opera choruses Venue TBA - [Hilary Punnett to guest conduct ECS this summer term](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/hilary-punnett-to-guest-conduct-ecs-this-summer-term/): Eltham Choral Society is thrilled to announce that the exceptionally talented Hilary Punnett will be joining us as our guest conductor for the upcoming summer term. Hilary will be leading the choir while our esteemed resident conductor, Max Barley, takes this precious time to care for his new baby. We are incredibly grateful to Hilary for stepping in, and we know her expertise and infectious enthusiasm will bring a vibrant energy to our rehearsals and our Summer Concert. Adding to the excitement, we extend our warmest congratulations to Hilary on her recent appointment as the new Assistant Director of Music […] - [Wishful Singing & The VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble - Saturday April 26th, 8pm](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/wishful-singing-the-voces8-scholars-ensemble-saturday-april-26th-8pm/): Gregorian Treasures Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square Saturday April 26th, 8pm Gregorian Treasures is a unique concert experience that comes to the UK after a run of sold-out performances in the Netherlands. Performed by leading Dutch vocal ensemble Wishful Singing, and the VOCES8 Scholars Ensemble, it brings together more than 10 centuries of music, from the ancient melodies of Gregorian chant to music written by composers right up to the present day who have been inspired by this ancient music. Bringing together music, movement, and light, it is an immersive and unforgettable evening. Wishful Singing is a leading all-female vocal […] - [ECS Choral Scholar deadline extended](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-choral-scholar-deadline-extended/): Are you an aspiring professional singer? Would you like to take a leading role in a choral society and develop your solo singing? Apply to become a Choral Scholar with Eltham Choral Society and earn £1000 a year! To give more aspiring singers the chance to apply over the Easter holidays, the new dates and deadlines for our Choral Scholar programme are: Don’t miss the chance to develop your solo singing, gain valuable experience, and earn £1000 a year with Eltham Choral Society! For full details about the programme and how to apply, please click the button below: - [New Website Launched](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/new-ecs-website-coming-soon/): Welcome to the New Online Home of ECS! We are thrilled to launch the brand new website for the Eltham Choral Society. After much anticipation, we now have a dedicated online space to share our passion for singing, connect with our community, and keep you updated on all our activities. Whether you’re a long-standing member, a prospective singer, or simply a lover of choral music, we hope you’ll find everything you need right here. Explore our pages to learn more about our history (dating back to a 1882!), our diverse repertoire, upcoming concerts and events, and how you can join […] - [ECS Easter Concert - 18th April 2026](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-easter-concert-21st-march-2026/): Concert starts at 7:30pm Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, SW1X 9BZ Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon Brahms A German Requiem Brahms’s longest composition and largest ensemble-work. Sung in German. Holy Trinity Church,Sloane Square, SW1X 9BZ - [Become an ECS Choral Scholar in 2025/26](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/become-an-ecs-choral-scholar/): Are you an aspiring professional singer? Would you like to take a leading role in a choral society and develop your solo singing? Apply to become a Choral Scholar with Eltham Choral Society and earn £1000 a year! We are seeking to appoint up to four choral scholars for the 2025-26 season, (September 2025 – July 2026). The scholarships are designed for aspiring professional singers who wish to develop their skills in and provide experience of ensemble and choral society solo-singing. They will be expected to take on some of the solo parts in some of our forthcoming concerts including […] - [ECS Christmas Concert - 13th December 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-christmas-concert-13th-december-2025/): Concert starts at 7:30pm St. Luke’s Church, Eltham Park, SE9 1XQ Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon With the children of the Deansfield Chamber Choir Handel Messiah choruses & arias with orchestra Plus, popular carols for the audience to sing-along and get in the Christmas spirit.  St. Luke’s Church,Eltham Park, Westmount Road, SE9 1XQ - [ECS Come & Sing - 16th October 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-come-sing-16th-october-2025/): Concert starts at 8:15pm St. Luke’s Church, Eltham Park, SE9 1XQ Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon Mozart Requiem Come & Sing – Rehearsal 7.00pm. Performance 8.15pm Attendance at rehearsals from September 11th including performance at the concert £20. Attendance on the day £10. Audience free with retiring collection. St. Luke’s Church,Eltham Park, SE9 1XQ - [ECS Easter Concert - Saturday 5th April 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-easter-concert-saturday-5th-april-2025/): Easter Concert 2025 Concert starts at 7:30pm Venue TBA Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon Maurice Duruflé: Requiem The Requiem, Op. 9, is a 1947 (revised 1961) setting of the Latin Requiem by Maurice Duruflé for a solo baritone, mezzo-soprano, mixed choir, and organ. Esther Bersweden: Time and Tides: An Exploration of Greenwich (Work commissioned by Eltham Choral Society and first performed in Summer 2024) Venue TBA - [ECS Summer Concert - Saturday 12th July 2025](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/the-summer-concert/): Concert starts at 7:30pm St John the Baptist Church, Eltham, Eltham High Street, SE9 1DH Conducted by Max BarleyOrgan: Andrew Lenon Orlando GibbonsMarking the 400th centenary of his death, ECS will perform a selection of Gibbons’ work, including… John Rutter:The Sprig of Thyme folk – A Cycle of Folk-Song Settings The Sprig of Thyme offers a suite of eleven folk-song settings of traditional songs of the British Isles, drawing together long-standing favourites as ‘Willow Song’ and ‘The Miller of Dee’ with lesser known gems as ‘O Can Ye Sew Cushions’ and ‘The Sprig of Thyme. The full programme will include: […] - [ECS Christmas Concert - Saturday 14th December 2024](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/christmas-concert-saturday-14th-december-2024/): Britten: Saint Nicolas Concert starts at 7:30pm Holy Trinity Church 59 Southend Cres, SE9 2SD Conducted by Max Barley Organ: Andrew Lenon A cantata with music by Benjamin Britten on a text by Eric Crozier, completed in 1948. It covers the legendary life of Saint Nicholas. Plus, popular Carols for the audience to sing-along and get in the Christmas spirit.  Tickets: £12 in advance £15 on the door. £6 Students/Under-18s Deansfield School £10 per person (children free) Buy tickets at the link below or in person from Norman’s Music, 32 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SF - [ECS Perform World Premiere Commission - July 6th 2024](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/ecs-perform-world-premiere-commission/): At their Summer concert on July 6th 2024 at St Alfege Church, Greenwich, ECS performed a new work by composer Esther Berswerden which was specially commissioned by the choir for the event. It was accompanied by the Nelson Mass fitting its theme Time and Tides: An Exploration of Greenwich. The Esther Bersweden premiere was very inspiring and showcased the choir brilliantly – well worth the effort you all put into it. The Haydn was both exciting and lyrical Esther recently took up the post of Director of Music at St Barnabas Church, Jericho in Oxford. Prior to that she was […] ## Pages - [History](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/history/): History Interested in our history? Here we have all of the event details from 1997 to present! - [Join Us](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/join-us/): Join Us Interested in Joining ECS? The choir does not routinely audition prospective members. As long as you can sing a tune and are willing to do a bit of homework to learn your notes – you qualify. Contact us today to enquire about joining our community of singers and a member of our friendly team will be in touch with more information. We cannot wait to hear from you! Time 19:30 – 21:30 Most Thursdays We rehearse between 7:30pm – 9:30pm with a social tea break. Concerts normally take place on weekends with key dates being given to the […] - [Home](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/) - [News](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/news/) - [Contact Us](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/contact-page/): Contact Us If you can’t find the answers to your questions on the website feel free to contact us using the form below and we will get back to you as quickly as we can! Alternatively please feel free to send us an email at: enquiries@elthamchoral.org.uk - [About Us](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/about-page/): About Us About the Choir Eltham Choral Society (ECS) is a registered charity that offers a welcoming environment for singers of all abilities. The choir is directed by our talented young conductor Max Barley. Members come from all over south London and north Kent. Parking is available in the surrounding streets and the venue is served by buses and Eltham railway station. Concerts often feature professional soloists and orchestras. With a strong emphasis on community, ECS has collaborated with other choirs on a number of major projects. Generally, we perform locally but sometimes at prestigious venues such as St John’s Smith Square, Southwark […] - [Members](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/members/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password: - [Events](https://elthamchoral.org.uk/events/): Events Come and see us perform! Tickets for all of our upcoming performances can be purchased online, just press the button below! [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)