​We welcome new singers to Gloucester Choral Society

We want to attract new singers so please come along and join us on at one of our Monday rehearsals. If you enjoy yourself, you can then put yourself forward for audition to become a member. You can try a few rehearsals before choosing to audition, or why not join us for a Sing Saturday?

If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you, so please  email Sophy to introduce yourself.

​

​​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Common questions from new and prospective members

When and where do you rehearse?

Rehearsals are on Monday nights from 7:30 – 9:30pm.

Mainly, we rehearse in the Chapter House at Gloucester Cathedral. We occasionally meet at other venues, such as St John’s Northgate Church or a local school, if we are unable to use the Chapter House for any reason.

In the week leading up to a concert, we rehearse in the Cathedral itself. There is normally a mandatory rehearsal on-stage in the Cathedral on the Friday evening before a concert.

​

Where do you perform?

Our concerts generally take place in the historic Gloucester Cathedral.

The cathedral nave has an incredible acoustic, which makes for an almost magical singing experience.

​

When is a good time to join?

You can join us at any time of the season, but it’s probably best to join in September or January so you can attend all the rehearsals for the next concert. Our season starts in September and usually ends in June.

​

What will it cost me to become a member of GCS?

A subscription fee is payable for each season. The subscription fee for the 2025-26 season is £215.

Membership for under-25s is free.

Concessions may be available for those in financial difficulty. If you have any concerns of affordability, please contact the Membership Secretary or a member of the board of trustees in confidence for more information.

​

How can I pay my subscription?

You can choose to pay your subscription fee as one lump sum or in instalments by standing order. If paying in instalments, you must have paid in full by the April in that season (usually 8 monthly payments).

​

What’s included in the subscription?

Subject to passing your audition, as a GCS member you’ll be able to sing in all our wonderful concerts throughout the season. All music is provided on loan for the duration required and must be returned after the concert.

 

The only exception is Handel’s Messiah. We perform this regularly with a limited number of rehearsals, so you’ll need your own copy – that way, you’ll only have to add the rehearsal markings once! 

​

You’ll learn from our distinguished Musical Director and Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral, Adrian Partington. We’re also proud to have the cathedral’s Assistant Director of Music, Jonathan Hope as our regular accompanist.

We work with a range of professional musicians and soloists throughout the season.

 

We have welcomed internationally acclaimed singers and had the privilege of working with truly exceptional orchestras in recent years. Performing some of the best choral music under the direction of Adrian Partington is an endlessly rewarding experience.  

​

Are there any other opportunities for GCS members?

Lots! We run a number of ‘Sing Saturday’ events – open to members and non-members. At Christmas, we sing ‘Carols for All’ on Boxing Day. This is always a hugely popular event that’s a bit of fun too.

We usually run a tour every 2-3 years. In recent years, we’ve visited Bavaria, Belgium, Venice and, most recently, Transylvania in May 2025.

 

GCS members are eligible to audition for the Three Choirs Festival Chorus. Each year the Three Choirs Festival rotates between Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester Cathedrals, with a contingent from each respective choral society performing together.

 

The Three Choirs Festival is thought to be the oldest music festival in the world, and being in the chorus for a packed week of outstanding concerts is an incredibly rewarding experience. Other away days have previously included singing with the top-class Philharmonia orchestra in London’s Royal Festival Hall and in Cardiff with the BBC NOW.