Southend Choirs is a charitable organisation that includes the Southend Boys’ & Girls’ Choirs, as well as three other choirs that span 5 to 30 in age. Singers come from all areas of Southend and beyond.
The two flagship choirs, the Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs, have a combined existence of over 80 years with thousands of children and young people having performed in the Choirs. Many former choir members have developed successful careers within the music industry.
We can confidently say that the Choirs have changed the lives of many young people.
Our younger group the Step-Up Choir provide an early introduction to the enjoyment of singing from as young as age 6. Members may stay until university and beyond via our offshoot choirs – Southend Young Men’s Chorus for male voices and Chorus Sirenum for female voices.
Southend Choirs’ Ethos
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INSPIRE
Inspire more young people to start and continue with music, in particular choral singing
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EXCELLENCE
We want to create a lasting legacy of musical excellence that can be sustained.
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NO FEES
Offer free membership to all singers, with no membership or subscription costs.
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ACCESSIBLE
No entry requirement to read music or to have had any previous music training.
The Choirs are well regarded and perform extensively in London and overseas, as well as in Southend.
Singers experience a range of performance opportunities from backing vocals and flash mobs to full-scale professional orchestral concerts, such as the BBC Proms and Orff’s Carmina Burana at the Royal Albert Hall. The Choirs also regularly work with local schools and educational partners.
Previous UK & Overseas tours
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2024
Germany: The Rhineland, Altenberg, Boppard, Cologne
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2023
The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Edam
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2022
Italy: Tuscany
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2019
Spain: Barcelona, Tarragona
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2018
Australia & Hong Kong: Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, Hong Kong
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2017
Italy: Venice, Lake Garda, Verona
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2016
Canada: Owen Sound, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec
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2016
Germany: Cottbus, Berlin
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2015
Italy: Rome, Palestrina
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2014
US & Canada: Chicago, Cleveland, Niagara, Ithaca, Boston
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2013
Spain: Barcelona
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2013
Germany: Hamburg & Berlin
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2012
US: Virginia Water, Philadelphia, Washington, New York
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2011
France: Besancon, Monaco
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2010
US: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco
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2009
France & Italy: Paris, Lake Garda & Venice
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2008
Australia & Singapore: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns
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2007
Spain: Barcelona
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2007
Germany: Frankfurt
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2006
US: Florida
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2005
Poland: Sopot
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2005
Italy: Florence & Milan
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2004
US: New York, Chicago, Cleveland
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2003
France & Italy: Paris, Venice
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2002
Poland: Sopot
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2002
France: Nice
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2000
Canada: Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
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1999
Worcester: Gloucester
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1998
Australia: Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane
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1997
Scotland: Dunblane, Edinburgh
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1995
Seychelles
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1995
Germany: Frankfurt
Tour diary archives
MEMBER AWARDS
Southend Choirs proudly works with the Jack Petchey Foundation to recognise outstanding young people in the Choirs who have gone above and beyond.
BURSARY FOR MUSIC STUDENTS
In association with the English-Speaking Union and The Birn Trust, Southend Choirs is delighted to offer bursaries of £500 & £250 to support local young musicians, who are currently continuing their musical studies at a recognised institution of higher education.
Please see here for an information sheet with full details on eligibility and the application process and see here for an application form.
The closing date for the bursary for the year 2024 is 30 September 2024 at midnight.
The Birn Trust
Previous winners
2023: Sam Willsmore
2022: Eliza Nagle
2021: Isabel Clarke