What we do...
The Lewes Chamber Choir is a group of singers who enjoy meeting without the aim (and stress!) of giving a performance. We provide space for musicians to come together, learn new pieces and develop their choral techniques without the added pressure of giving a public concert. The choir meets on the fourth Sunday of each month and rehearses mainly a cappella repertoire from the 16th and 17th centuries.
We also host regular Singing Workshop days. Please scroll down for more information about our next events.
James Geer - Music Director
James is a singer, conductor and teacher. He is equally at home standing in front of a choir, a pupil or an audience. If he isn't to be found on the Royal Opera House stage or in a recording studio, he'll be training a local choral society or coaching a student. He's a member of the Academy of Ancient Music, has sung with Polyphony and the Dunedin Consort as well as teaching at several preparatory schools in the South East of England. James has appeared as a soloist with the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBCNOW, BBCSSO and RSNO. He also performs and records 20th century British art song with his longstanding colleague, Ronald Woodley.
Colin Hughes - Pianist
Colin trained at Trinity College of Music, London, where he studied violin and piano. He has played in venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Glyndebourne. Whilst living in London he held positions as choirmaster and organist at a number of churches. He rehearsed and conducted choral societies, as well as playing in orchestras and chamber groups, giving solo recitals and even drumming for a rock band. Colin moved to Eastbourne where he has become well-known and as a respected teacher, accompanist and performer. He is currently organist and Director of Music at St Mary’s Church, Eastbourne.
Singing workshops
We hold two workshops a year, one in Spring and one in Summer, where we work intensively on lesser known or unusual pieces. These are hosted by our Musical Director and are very popular. Please do book early to avoid disappointment!
Our next workshop is on 18th January 2025
Previous Singing Days
Purcell Funeral Sentences
We delve into the rich and melancholy tapestry of Purcell's Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary as well as several of his individual anthems; Hear My Prayer, Remember not Lord, our offences and Lord, how long wilt Thou be angry?
10.30-4.30 January 27th 2024.
A cure to sicknesse
Thomas Muriel's Trisitiae Remedium, an important but little-known collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean musical treasures, provides the starting point for this investigation into early 17th century musical taste. Works by Byrd, Tomkins, Tallis, Morley and Ward.
10.30-4.30 July 20th 2024
Our repertoire...
Each month we work on 3 or 4 different pieces, all chosen by our MD and posted here should singers chose to prepare before the session. Publications we use: The Oxford Book of Tudor Anthems (OBTA), The Oxford Book of English Madrigals (OBEM), Madrigals and Partsongs (MP), English Church Music vol 1 (ECM), European Sacred Music (ESM).
Next session: 26th January
These are they which follow the Lamb - Goss (ECM p78)
Lord, let me know mine end - Greene (ECM p80)
O Lord, give thy Holy Spirit - Tallis (ECM p293)
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace - Wesley (ECM p351)
