Everything You Need to Know About the Halifax Chamber Choir Taster Sessions

Ever find yourself humming a tune in the shower and thinking it sounds pretty decent? Or maybe you were part of a school choir years ago and miss the buzz of singing with other people. Well, if you're in or around Halifax, there’s a brilliant chance to see if that singing spark is still there. The Halifax Chamber Choir is throwing its doors open for a couple of taster sessions, and it’s a perfect, no-pressure way to get involved with some seriously beautiful choral music. This isn't about being a professional opera star; it's about enjoying the unique feeling of voices coming together to create something amazing. So, if you've ever been curious, this could be your moment to shine.

So, what exactly is a taster session?

Think of it like a “try before you buy” for singing. It’s a chance to pop along, meet the members of the Halifax Chamber Choir, and actually sing with them to see if it’s your cup of tea. There are two dates to choose from, so you can pick whichever suits you best.

The sessions are happening on:

• Tuesday, 31st March at 7:30 pm

• Tuesday, 7th April at 7:30 pm

Both events will take place in the gorgeous Crossley Gallery at Dean Clough. If you’ve never been, Dean Clough is a massive part of Halifax's history — a former carpet factory turned into a bustling hub for arts and business. The Crossley Gallery is a fantastic space with acoustics that will make your voice sound incredible.

It’s also the regular rehearsal spot for the choir, so you’ll get a real feel for what a typical Tuesday evening practice is like, running from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

What sort of music will you be singing?

This is where it gets really interesting. The taster sessions will give you a chance to try the kind of music the choir is working on right now. You'll get to sample pieces from their current concert programme, which is packed with timeless classics.

Forget any ideas about stuffy, boring music — this is powerful, emotional music that has been loved for centuries. You'll be diving into some stunning choral works, including Missa Brevis by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, a Renaissance legend known for music of incredible clarity and beauty.

You’ll also get to try some motets — short choral works often based on sacred texts. The choir is currently performing motets by:

• Lassus

• Brahms

• Bruckner

Together they offer a fascinating journey through the history of choral music.

You'll also get a preview of the summer programme, which includes beautiful English partsongs. These pieces are often lighter and more lyrical, forming a much-loved part of England’s musical tradition.

So you’ll experience a wonderful variety — from deeply spiritual Renaissance music to charming English choral pieces.

A bit more about the Halifax Chamber Choir

Based at the iconic Dean Clough arts and business complex, the Halifax Chamber Choir is a friendly group of around 24 singers who share a passion for performing high-quality chamber music.

But what exactly is chamber music?

Think of the difference between a massive orchestra in a huge concert hall and a small acoustic band playing in an intimate venue. Chamber music is the smaller, more personal version, where every individual voice matters.

A lot of the choir’s repertoire is sung a cappella — an Italian term meaning without instrumental accompaniment. In other words, the human voice is the only instrument. It creates an incredibly pure and powerful sound.

The choir’s repertoire stretches across centuries, from the Renaissance right through to modern compositions, reflecting a real love for exploring the full history of classical music.

Who’s leading the music?

Every great choir needs a great leader, and the Halifax Chamber Choir has exactly that.

The conductor and musical director is Aljoša “Josh” Škorja, a Slovenian conductor and musicologist. A musicologist is essentially a scholar of music history and theory, meaning Josh doesn’t just conduct the music — he understands the deeper story behind it.

That expertise adds something special to rehearsals. It’s not just about singing the right notes; it’s about understanding the meaning, style, and emotion behind the music.

Under his leadership, the choir performs a wide range of works, from the intricate harmonies of Palestrina’s Missa Brevis to the expressive textures of English partsongs.

Sounds brilliant — how do I sign up?

Because places are limited, you must register in advance. Unfortunately you can’t simply turn up on the night, so a quick email is required.

To reserve a place or get more information:

• Email: halifax.choir@btinternet.com

You can also visit their website to learn more about the choir and hear some of their previous performances:

• Website: www.halifaxchamberchoir.co.uk

If you’ve ever wanted to try singing with a choir, meet some like-minded people, and experience the magic of voices blending together, these taster sessions could be the perfect opportunity. Don’t let it pass you by.