Become a Chorister at St Margaret's
St Margaret’s Choristers is a new choir which offers an exciting and historic opportunity for talented girls to sing in an unique setting at the heart of the capital, joining in a rich and ancient choral tradition.
Applications are now open for girls who would like to join the choir and will be in Years 8-11 in September 2023. All girls will leave at the end of Year 12, so those entering in Year 11 will enjoy two years as the choir’s first senior year group.
We are looking for four girls who will be in Year 7 in September 2023, who will spend a year as probationer choristers before joining the full choir in September 2024.
We are looking for girls with strong musical potential and commitment to the weekly schedule, not fully-fledged performers, and we welcome applications from girls from any school or background.
Roles and duties
The choir will sing in term time at the Sunday evening service at St Margaret’s Church, as well as some Wednesday Evensong services in Westminster Abbey. There will be a small number of additional services such as at Christmas and Easter. The Choristers will regularly have the chance to sing with the professional altos, tenors and basses of the St Margaret’s Consort and will be directed by Greg Morris, the Director of Music at St Margaret’s Church.
Singing lessons (1:2) will be provided during rehearsals, and choristers will have the opportunity to attend music theory classes after weekday rehearsals.
The choir’s service commitment on Wednesdays may evolve further over time, while other musical projects such as concerts, recordings and tours will be introduced as the choir develops.
Scholarship
On joining the full choir in Year 8, each chorister will receive a scholarship of £2,500 per annum:
- £1,500 will be paid each year
- the remaining £1,000 will be paid as a lump sum when a chorister leaves the choir at the end of Year 12.
How to apply
To apply, simply:
- Download and fill in the application form (Word, 60KB)
- Email the completed application form to StMargaret.Choristers@westminster-abbey.org.
Prospective choristers will be asked to attend a short audition taken by the Director of Music and a singing teacher. They will be asked to sing one song of their choice and will be given exercises to explore their vocal range, melodic memory and musical awareness.
Further information can be found on the St Margaret's Choristers booklet (PDF, 2MB).
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the choir, please email the Director of Music, Greg Morris: Greg.Morris@Westminster-Abbey.org.
Safeguarding
We are dedicated to safeguarding children and adults at risk so they can visit, worship and grow safely in Christ. St Margaret’s Choristers and all its staff and volunteers will adhere to the safeguarding policy for Westminster Abbey and work together to keep each other safe.
See our safeguarding policies