Category Archives: Articles

One of the great things about being in a choir is the community aspect. In Vivamus, Thursday evenings are dedicated to singing together. Our harmonies and collective voice are more than music: they’re an expression of unity. Especially after the isolation of the pandemic lockdowns, going to choir – being part of a wider groupContinue reading “Can choirs do remote rehearsals online?”

We’re delighted to be performing Purcell’s Hail! Bright Cecilia at our Baroque concert in May. The piece explores the versatility and power of many different voices and instruments, and veers from the playful to the dramatic. Composing such an effective piece surely required incredible inspiration. So who was bright Cecilia? St Cecilia was a RomanContinue reading “An ode to St Cecilia”

Are you thinking of joining a choir? Nervous about the audition process? Here, we demystify chamber choir auditions and explain how to maximise your chances of success. Do your research Choirs are very different: in size, in repertoire, in setting and in style. Do you want to sing intimate classical pieces, or belt out bigContinue reading “How to pass a choir audition”

The New Year is traditionally a time for making plans and looking ahead. After our Annual General Meeting on 5 January, Vivamus is feeling pretty positive about the next twelve months. We’re focusing on a few key things. Remember – and repeat – the good times Looking forward doesn’t mean we should abandon fond memories.Continue reading “Our resolutions for 2023”

Bass singer Kieran talks to us about his experiences of Vivamus. What was your singing life like before joining Vivamus? I’d been singing since primary school, pausing only when I lived abroad for a year or for work reasons. I got the basic choral experience you’d get from doing that, and I’d sung under goodContinue reading “Singer Q&A with Kieran Morgan (bass)”

It’s not been an easy year for any of us. Economic hardship, political turmoil, international conflict, a climate causing weather that’s been alarming in its extremes, billionaires running amok on social media power trips. Some of us have been more fortunate than others, and many of us are so grateful for what we have –Continue reading “2022: A year to remember”

There’s just something about Christmas music. Don’t me wrong. Christmas is full of so many things to enjoy, besides music. There’s the amazing food and drink – it’s the only time of year you can get away with drinking prosecco and eating cheese all day, and no one will judge. There’s the comfortingly familiar entertainment,Continue reading “The magic of Christmas concerts”

It’s Thursday afternoon, and I’ve had yet another busy week of work, socialising, life admin: the works. I’ve burned the candle at both ends, but somehow, I’ve still got to find more energy. I have several deadlines looming on Friday; it’s like it never stops. Catching a glance at the tiny clock in my screenContinue reading “Thursday choral singing: the start of my weekend“

We – we as individuals, as families, as a country, as a world – are in a somewhat uncertain place right now, to say the least of it. Our economy is in a shambles. Our government seems to change almost daily. An unseasonably warm autumn makes us wonder and worry for the future of ourContinue reading “Want to join a London chamber choir?”