University of Birmingham

Birmingham University Singers today announced their upcoming European tour – a three-date concert programme across Europe in June 2020.

Birmingham University Singers in concert with Simon Carrington; credit Victoria Beddoes

With concerts in Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Strasbourg, the choir will present an eclectic programme of works from across Europe and beyond. The singers will also join forces with the Karlsruhe-based choir Kammerchor der Christuskirche Karlsruhe for one programme, led by Peter Gortner – a graduate of the internationally renowned MA Music in Choral Conducting at Birmingham and Professor Simon Halsey. The choir has previously travelled to the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany in recent years. 

Following the announcement Professor Halsey said: ‘I am delighted that the choir are embarking on a tour to Germany and France. The opportunity for the choir to travel to Europe is a testament to the quality of the choral programme here in Birmingham, and one that engages students from across all disciplines at the University every week. At a time when the country is withdrawing from European institutions, we are proud to be flying the flag for the University on the continental stage.’

Birmingham University Singers is a mixed chamber choir of up to 45 auditioned singers directed by Bob Chilcott. Since its inception, the choir has gained a national reputation as one of the finest university choirs in the UK. The choir usually gives two concerts per year in the Elgar Concert Hall, plus a performance in Symphony Hall as part of the University of Birmingham Voices. Their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols at St Michael’s, Tenbury, is a highlight of the year. 

Choirs are an important part of University Music in Birmingham, and offer unrivalled opportunities for young singers at any university in the UK. For more information, or if you would like to find out more about choirs at University of Birmingham, please contact Gavin Allsop (g.m.allsop@bham.ac.uk).