Welcome to our fun international women choir
Come sing with us !
Barcarolle Choir is an international and vibrant un-auditioned female choir with unique lunch time rehearsals. It takes its name from the Barcarolle musical genre from the “Contes d’Hoffman” composed by Offenbach. The Choir was created in 2012 by the Music Director Katrine Reimers and a French amateur singer Helene Coste. Sam Evans took on the baton of Music Director in 2014. Sam has a unique ability to motivate the groups and his infectious enthusiasm is uplifting.
“In January 2014, I received an email out of the blue from Hélène Coste, asking me if I would come and take a workshop for a group called “Barcarolle”. Little did I know then that this choir would become such an important and cherished part of my musical life, or the exciting journey we would go on together.
In September 2016, Barcarolle became two distinct groups: the Belters, and the Divas. Each group explores different repertoire, but some members of Barcarolle sing in both groups, and the two groups often perform songs and pieces together.
In March 2020 Covid hit, but Barcarolle lost no time in taking our weekly rehearsals online. Of course online rehearsals could never replace the experience of singing together, but the commitment of the members to keeping going has meant the choir has survived the pandemic and emerged even stronger than before.
In March 2021 Hélène handed over the organization of the choir to Antonella Harrison, and she has brought a new energy, dynamism and ambition to our activities. A testament to this is the fact that a week after our anniversary concert, we will travel to Orvieto to give our first overseas performance, in the wonderful duomo.
Barcarolle has always existed to give ladies the opportunity to come together and share their love of music, and the joy of singing together. Here’s to the next 10 years!” (Sam Evans, Barcarolle Choir 10th anniversary, June 2022)
Whether you are an experienced singer looking for new musical challenges, or someone who want to give singing a try for the first time, Barcarolle Choir is for you: comprising two groups, Barcarolle offers something for all musical tastes and abilities.
The Belters
The Belters sing pop/jazz songs, a lot of fun! Focusing on pop songs, jazz standards and songs from the West End, there is no requirement to read music to join this group. The repertoire covers very different styles of music like Adele, The Beatles, Abba, Aretha Franklin, Sting, Walt Disney Classics …
The Divas
The Divas encompass a classical and contemporary repertoire. Rehearsals are fun and lively, with a focus on vocal technique and musical rehearsal. If you are a confident singer looking to develop your voice as well as learn exciting repertoire, this is the choir for you! Our repertoire covers a wide range of music and composers from Puccini to Rutter, from Mendelssohn to Whitacre, from Mozart to Fauré and many more. A basic music reading and knowledge is advisable to join the group.
The two groups have joyful separate rehearsals but perform in joint Christmas and Summer concerts every year with a wide range of genres and repertoire. Barcarolle Choir is also often invited to perform in other events.
Joining the choir does not require any audition but our Music Director can do a voice test, if you wish to test your vocal range. Rehearsals are joyous and friendly. The rehearsal recordings and media supports provide each singer the opportunity to further practice home and prepare for the next live rehearsal.
Barcarolle Choir Team
Music Director: Sam Evans
Sam Evans is a professional baritone, singing teacher and choral conductor. A former choral scholar at King’s College Cambridge, he studied further at the Royal Academy of Music and at the Royal College of Music International Opera School, post-graduating in 2011 with prestigious Tagore Gold Medal. Sam has worked professionally as a singer since 2000, performing with major UK choirs, including the Sixteen, the Monteverdi Choir and Polyphony. He was a finalist in the 2007 Kathleen Ferrier Awards; in 2009, he won the Maisie Lewis Price which led to his solo recital debut at the Wigmore Hall, and won both First and Audience Prizes at the London Welsh Young Singer of the Year. He was a finalist in the 2010 Welsh Singer of the Year Competition at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. As a soloist, he has appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, the Opéra Comique in Paris and Sydney Opera House. Sam’s first conducting role was as Music Director of Riverside Opera in 2012. He became Music Director of the Barcarolle Choir in March 2014 and is also Music Director of Battersea Choral Society, Battersea Power Station Community Choir, Kew Gardens Choir and Harrow Choral Society. As a conductor, Sam specializes in vocal music of all kinds: from community choirs to opera and professional chamber choirs.
Read more at http://www.samevansmusic.net
Pianist/ Accompagnist: Oliver Lallemant
An
Oliver Lallemant is Organist and Director of Music at St Stephen’s Dulwich, and runs several choirs including Sloane Square Choral Society, Chelsea Chamber Choir and the Chelsea Arts Club Singers.
Also a jazz pianist, Olly performs as a soloist or with his trio at weddings, soirées, cocktail receptions and Christmas parties. He plays frequently around the world, and can be heard three nights a week in the glorious setting of the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz.
Read more at: https://www.chelseachamberchoir.com/team-4
