WHO ARE THE CHERITON SINGERS...?

Cheriton Singers was founded in 1969 and was initially known as The Cheriton Choral Society - so we were very proud that 2019 marked our 50th anniversary!  It all began following a musical show staged by the local drama group, The Cheriton Players, after which a number of those taking part decided that it would be fun to get together and sing on a regular basis.  The rest, as they say, is history - and the choir has gone from strength to strength ever since!

We are a friendly group of enthusiastic amateur singers (currently of about 30 members) and we welcome members of all ages and ability.  In keeping with our policy of encouraging participation, there are no auditions and the emphasis is always to have fun making music, as well as to improve our skills with the help of our professional musical director.  

Our repertoire is extremely varied, including both secular and religious music, ranging from Handel to Lloyd Webber.  As a full choir, we currently perform two concerts a year (in St. Michael's Church, Cheriton) and, in addition, available singers often form small choirs to perform at weddings, funerals and special events, as required - and the income from these engagements enables us to keep our membership fees as low as possible! 

OUR ETHOS

To put it simply, we sing for the fun of making music together.  Naturally, we work hard to try and improve our skills and, of course, we want to do the very best we can to entertain our audiences and let them share our enjoyment of the music. We are looking forward to our next concert and hope that you will enjoy the diverse programme.  Please do take a look at the details on the Concerts Page or, if you have any queries, do contact us.

REHEARSALS

We rehearse every Tuesday (during term time) at 7.45 p.m. for two hours either in Cheriton Village Hall or Cheriton Primary School. New members are always very welcome, so why not come along for a 'taster session' and see if you would like to join us.  If you would like more information about the choir or would like to email us, please email us by clicking on the button below.

HOW DO I TO BECOME A MEMBER AND WHAT DOES IT COST...?

Potential members are very welcome to come and 'try us out' for a couple of rehearsals or to simply come and listen to get the flavour of what our rehearsals are like! Please just let us know in advance (see button below), so that we can give you a proper welcome! Our current annual subscription is £110, which is due when you join, and includes 2 free tickets for our Winter concert. However, our treasurer is equally happy to agree termly payments, if you prefer.

 

OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR, BEN COOPER

Currently singing as a member of Winchester Cathedral Choir, Ben Cooper has previously held positions at Worcester Cathedral and in the Schola Cantorum of Tewkesbury Abbey.

With the choir of Winchester Cathedral, as well as singing the daily services, Ben has broadcast live on BBC Radio, sung as part of the Southern Cathedral Festival and has toured Rome and Florence singing services in the Vatican, in the presence of Pope Francis.  Each summer he sings as a member of the 'Nave Choir' at the Edington Music Festival in Wiltshire.

He studied piano with the Australian pianist, Lesley Young at the Colchester Institute School of Music, whilst also holding a Choral Scholarship at Chelmsford Cathedral.  He has accompanied concerts for the Hampshire County Youth Choir and played for recitals across Hampshire.

Ben sings baritone with the award winning a cappella sextet 'The Songmen', giving concerts throughout Europe and recording a CARA nominated studio album 'Midnight'. As a teacher, Ben teaches piano and singing in schools across the county, working for Hampshire Music Service.  In this role, he has directed groups of singers in Winchester Cathedral and at The Anvil.  As well as being Music Director for Cheriton Singers, Ben is also MD of The Dever Singers at Micheldever.