Who we are

We are a mixed, four part community choir, drawn from Great Ellingham and surrounding villages. We produce two main concerts a year – one in June and one in December – performed at St James’s Church Great Ellingham.

The summer concert consists of a very varied repertoire including songs from musicals well known popular songs, folk songs, very occasionally Gilbert and Sullivan, light hearted pieces, serious works, solos, duets and anything else which it is felt could be achieved by this mixed ability choir.

The December concert is a popular family Christmas ‘show’, containing carols and Christmas music of every type from popular songs to fourteenth century acapella.  John Rutter appears frequently in the Christmas repertoire. We also welcome the Great Ellingham Primary School choir each Christmas to perform a couple of their own songs. The programme occasionally includes feature songs by small groups or soloists drawn from the choir. Both concerts are very much designed to appeal to our village audiences, whilst endeavouring to maintain a professional standard and include a degree of audience participation.

Occasionally the choir is invited to perform at other events.

Membership of the Village Singers does not require auditions, or the ability to read music – which is an obvious advantage, as everyone is issued with printed sheet music. It is just accepted that people who join are able to sing in tune, and are happy to attend regularly.

Rehearsals are held at Old School Hall, Little Ellingham (opposite the church) and rehearsal dates are provided. The number of rehearsals is approximately 20 for the summer concert, and 10 for Christmas.

We work in a hard and disciplined way at rehearsals, but still manage to have fun. Occasional social events take place, and there is a definite ‘family feel’ to the choir which we are very proud to be part of.