Hearts & Voices was established by musical director Chrissy Parsons-West in March 2001.

The choir was intended as a place for people who loved singing but had no formal music education and therefore could not join a regular choir where a basic understanding of musical notation would be a requirement.

All the music (even very complex arrangements) is taught by ear and singers are encouraged to learn the words, as well as the notes, so they can sing with full expression and engagement – from the heart.

The repertoire is very varied, and draws on a wide range of world music from Africa & Eastern Europe; traditional rounds and folk-songs; gospel songs & spirituals; and arrangements of pop, jazz and show tunes. Basically anything with gorgeous harmonies and fascinatin’ rhythms!

Entry standard – there are no auditions, but to be able to sing the kind of music we do, with lots of harmonies, you need to have two simple skills
1) to sing basically in tune
2) to be able to keep singing your tune when others are singing something different. (I.e.If you can sing a round with other people – like London’s Burning then you can do this! )

If you’re fine singing in a crowd but would hate to sing solo – don’t worry – all the singing is done in groups and no-one is ever left to sing alone.