The 150-strong UEA Choir is open to all by audition and was established in 1965 under Sir Phillip Ledger, UEA Director of Music until 1974. Since 2010, it has been directed by Tom Primrose.
Rehearsals and performances
UEA Choir enjoys membership from students, staff, and members of the local community. The choir rehearse on campus every Monday (19:30 - 21:30), during semester time, and perform either alone or with the UEA Symphony Orchestra at least three times a year. You can find details of past UEA Choir performances in our Events Archive.
The 2022-23 concert season has now finished. The 2023-24 concert season will commence on Thursday 23 November 2023 with a combined UEA Symphony Orchestra and Choir concert at The Halls (St Andrew's), Norwich, followed on Wednesday 13 December by UEA Choir's Christmas Carol concert at St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral, Norwich. Tickets will be available to buy online from the UEA store (from July 2023 until 10am on the day of the concert/s) and on the door (card or cheque only).
You can find details of forthcoming UEA Choir performances in our Upcoming Events Calendar.
Auditions
UEA Choir is open to beginners, as well as more experienced singers. Some previous experience singing in choirs is preferable, but not essential. Fluency in reading music is an asset, but we will consider any suitable voice whatever the level of reading ability.
All singers are auditioned, however the auditions are short and very informal.
Auditions for the 2023-24 concert season will take place on Friday 22 September (11:00-17:30) and Monday 25 September (12:00-18:00) 2023 in the UEA Music Centre. The choir has vacancies in all sections, however, we are particularly keen to recruit Tenors and Bass. To book an audition please fill out this form or email us stating your voice type, experience and availability for audition. Auditions are five minutes long. For the audition, candidates will be asked to sing some scales, do some vocal exercises (as directed by Tom) and work through two or three lines of a previously unseen piece. It is not a requirement, but they may wish to prepare a short song of up to two minutes.
Subscriptions
Full subscription rate is £47 for the year, and concession subscription rate (seniors (over 60s) and non-UEA students) is £23.50 for the year. Please note membership is free for UEA members (students and staff).
The first rehearsal of the 2023-24 season will take place on Monday 25 September 2023.