Strathclyde University Chamber Choir
We have been entertaining audiences for over 40 years, covering virtually the entire history of Western choral music. Founded in 1980 by Alan Tavener, the group has continued to flourish under his leadership ever since.
As an amateur choir of skilled, experienced singers, we offer high-quality performances of an extremely wide range of music. As a result, we have premiered commissions by a number of composers, including James MacMillan and, most recently, Toby Young. We have also participated in BBC Radio 3’s ‘Adopt a Composer’ scheme.
Our Conductors
Alan Tavener
Director & Conductor
Alan Tavener is a music graduate of the University of Oxford, and an educational research graduate of the University Strathclyde… read more
Michael Graham
Associate Conductor
Michael is currently affiliated to the choir, as Associate Conductor, through the apprenticeship scheme of the Association of British Choral Directors. Michael studied conducting and composition at the University of Edinburgh.
Our People
We have always embraced singers from far beyond the confines of Strathclyde University – and one of our great strengths is the rich mix of international and more local students, alumni, staff, and others – all with a shared passion for the music that we sing.
We rehearse on Tuesday evenings (normally from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Royal College Assembly Hall at the University of Strathclyde, but currently online, 7.00pm to 8.30pm, via Zoom). Typically around 30-40 singers strong, we are always eager to welcome new members, with a good ear, who love singing as much as we do.
Sounds like the choir for you?
Meet the Members
Every month or so, we profile one of our singers, to find out a little bit more about them, discover what they love most about the choir and hear about their varied choral experiences. We hope that this will inspire you to get in touch and join us!
Andy Pearson
The first time I sang with the chamber choir was in 1982 when I was a second year undergraduate engineering student at Strathclyde. I took a brief (21 year) break after graduation but came back for my chamber music “fix” in 2006. I enjoy the mix of music that we sing and have particularly liked our annual dip into the Anglican traditions at Easter time although I couldn’t do that every week! I think however the piece that sticks in my memory as truly out of this world is the setting of the Magnificat by Pergolesi, sung by the choir in the balcony of the assembly hall at Strathclyde. Must be time to revisit the piece, if not the location! (It seems that the piece wasn’t written by Pergolesi after all – maybe that’s why we’ve never gone back to it). Here’s me in 1982 – yikes!
Our Music
Our diversity extends to our repertoire, although we have acquired a particular reputation for Renaissance and Baroque music, arrangements of Scots songs, and contemporary works, including a number of recent commissions.
Collaborate With Us
We welcome collaborations with other musical ensembles and choirs – and we have a long history of successful exchanges and shared concerts with choirs and instrumental ensembles from around the world.
In recent years we have shared platforms with choirs from England (Hart Voices), Germany (Canta Nova), Iceland (Selkorinn), Canada (Spiritus Choir), and New Zealand (Christchurch Cathedral Choir).
We have worked with other Scottish ensembles including The Edinburgh Quartet, Edinburgh Rennaissance Band, Abbey Brass, Capella Nova, and the Carlton Consort.
Support The Choir
Since 2012, the Strathclyde University Chamber Choir has been a charitable trust, independent from Strathclyde University.
As a result, we rely on ticket sales and donations to continue singing. If you are as passionate as us about the music we perform, your donations will help support our student members to experience the benefits of singing a exciting range of music alongside a community of other keen amateur singers.
Still Have Questions?
Please do get in touch if you’d like to learn more about us, want to book us, or simply can’t find what you’re looking for. We’d love to hear from you!