​We are a friendly community choir of thirty-four members drawn from around Suffolk, who rehearse on Thursday evenings in Otley, near Woodbridge. ​Our aims as a choir are to enjoy ourselves, sing beautifully, and work hard to improve. 
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On this page you'll find out more about who we are and what we do, ​how to book us for an event, and even how to join us!

We're looking for new members!

  • We currently have spaces for 1 x First Alto, 1 x Second Alto, and 1 x (First) Tenor
  • Our practice is to invite interested singers to attend two choir rehearsals, followed by an informal, non-scary audition with the MD, usually at the end of an evening rehearsal. 
  • We are looking for singers, not only with musical skills but who will blend with the choir vocally and socially and who have the time to commit to rehearsals and concerts.
  • Prospective candidates shouldn't be deterred by under confidence as the choir is fully supportive of new members and proposes various methods to assist with learning new pieces. 
  • Ability to sight read is useful but not top priority. 
  • We rehearse on a Thursday evening from 8.00 to 10.00 pm in Otley Village Hall and perform at least 3 or 4 concerts per year, including singing in some special venues like Ely Cathedral Lady Chapel.
  • This year, Suffolk Singers will be 'on tour' to Northern France over the late May bank holiday weekend.
  • Candidates interested in joining Suffolk Singers should contact Sandra Taylor, SS Membership secretary on sandrataylor1917@gmail.com with a brief summary of their experience of singing in chorus and musical ability.

About us

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Our Performances:
We give four to five concerts a year, alongside singing at a wide range of events including weddings, entertainments and music festivals - click for more details!
Our Director:
Our Director is Claire Weston, Head of Singing at Woodbridge School,
​and former Principal of the English National Opera
Our Workshops:
We give an annual Choral Workshop to learn about technique, share music-making, and have fun - click for more details of our 2018 workshop
On Tour:
We have been on tour to Ireland and Wales; in 2018 we went on tour to Belgium, singing in Ypres and Ghent Cathedrals, and in a very moving ceremony at the Menin Gate
In Competition:
We performed in the Final of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
In beautiful venues:
We have performed in some wonderful venues, including Ely Cathedral, Ypres Cathedral, the Queen's Chapel of the Savoy, and of course the wondrous churches and chapels of Suffolk
On Television:
We have recorded for SkyArts with Richard E Grant for Tate Britain
On Radio:
As well as performing on local radio, we have sung on BBC Radio 3 ​for "Meet My Choir"
Performing in Suffolk:
Alongside performing for Ipswich Music Day and in Suffolk's most splendid churches, we have also sung with G4 at the Ipswich Regent

​​We are also more than just a choir - we are friends, and our husbands, wives, partners, parents, children, families and friends all get involved in what we do.
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We also have a great love of cake - to see more of what we get up to, click on the photo of Claire's cupcakes!

Join us

Book us
You can audition at any time. ​Our audition process consists of:
  • an invitation to two of our Thursday evening rehearsals in Otley village hall, sitting with one of the Singers, to get a feel for the choir and how Claire rehearses, what's expected of you, and how the group feels in a social sense;
  • at the end of the second rehearsal, you are asked to do a short audition which involves some vocal exercises and technical work, guided by Claire, and some very straightforward sight-reading;
  • this will also include chatting with Claire about what singing you're currently doing, have done, and your music-reading ability (strong sight-reading skills are not compulsory if you have the ability to undertake practice between rehearsals).
​Depending on which vacancies we have, you may be asked to go on a waiting list. When a space comes up, you do not have to re-audition: Claire will look at those who have auditioned for that voice type and decide.
We are always happy to receive bookings for new events. 

Our fees vary according to the type of event, but we can usually negotiate an arrangement that benefits all parties. 

We can sing either as a full choir, or a smaller group if space is a problem, working with you to find the best fit for what you are searching for.
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  • Private events and weddings
    • A balanced ensemble from Suffolk Singers is available at a cost of £400.00
  • Concerts
    • fee or profit-share arrangements can be negotiated
  • Charitable events
    • fee, profit-share or expenses only​

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​A short video detailing our rich and wonderful history of over a quarter of a century!

Recent updates...

Beverley, one of our altos, has been busy making musical fabric masks for the choir which are wonderfully comfortable! Aled Jones mentioned them on his radio show on Classic FM - who knows maybe he will be sporting one soon! This wonderful project has raised £100 for FIND
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One of Beverley's musical masks modelled by Alma
The tenors have their very own bread 'master baker' Peter who has perfected his sourdough during lockdown. So far he has raised an amazing £300 for FIND through sales of these delicious loaves, and is still baking so watch this space!
Find us on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Youtube:
Registered Charity No. 1182547