harpenden choral society open rehearsal - bach's christmas oratorio

The Harpenden Choral Society is Inviting New Singers to an Open Rehearsal 

TUESDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2026

7.45pm for 8.00pm, until 10.00pm

United Reformed Church, Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4ED

Harpenden Choral Society is inviting local music lovers to discover the joy of choral singing at a free open rehearsal on Tuesday 8 September 2026.

The friendly choir, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has around 70 members and is keen to welcome new singers in all voice parts. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to come along, meet current members and experience a rehearsal first-hand. Admission is free, with music and refreshments provided.

The new season opens with rehearsals for Bach's Christmas Oratorio, which will be performed in November at Harpenden's High Street Methodist Church. The choir's exciting programme for 2026–27 also includes its popular annual Christmas Carol Concert, a community "Come and Sing" Brahms German Requiem event in February, and concerts featuring works by Schubert, Victoria, MacMillan, Gjeilo, Haydn, Cherubini and Beethoven. All performances will take place in Harpenden churches and will feature professional soloists and musicians, including the King's Sinfonietta.

No previous choir experience is required. The choir welcomes anyone with a love of music and the ability to follow a vocal score. Before joining, prospective members meet briefly with Musical Director John Andrews for an informal voice test to help identify the most suitable voice part.

Regular rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings from 8.00pm to 10.00pm at the United Reformed Church, Vaughan Road, Harpenden.

For more information about the open rehearsal, contact Membership Secretary Melanie at membership@harpendenchoralsociety.org.