Cecil Sharp House Choir are an incredible bunch of individuals that together create this soul searching sound. They were a dream to work with and listen to
Ben Eshmade, Daylight Music
Cecil Sharp House Choir has folk song at the heart of its repertoire.
Since 2020 the Choir has been directed by inspirational choir leader Rose Martin, who arranges lots of the Choir’s repertoire, often drawing on materials from our libary and archives.
We're delighted that Ben See will be leading the Choir from April - December 2025, while Rose Martin is on Maternity Leave.
Cecil Sharp House Choir has become known for its spirited and moving renditions of traditional songs. The Choir concentrates on singing a capella folk and traditional songs from Britain and beyond. It is un-auditioned and is for confident singers who are able to hold a tune and are keen to perform. There’s no need to read music – all songs are taught by ear.
Cecil Sharp House Choir performs regularly at Cecil Sharp House and at a host of other venues and events. Previous venues and events include Trafalgar Square, King's Cross Summer Sounds at Coal Drops Yard, the British Library, Southbank Centre, the Roundhouse, the National Maritime Museum, Oslo Musikkfest, Sidmouth Folk Festival and the House of Commons.
Photo by Richard Lipman: Kings Cross Summer Sounds 2023
Who is the Choir for?
The Choir is for confident singers over the age of 16 who are able to hold a tune, willing to memorise song lyrics and vocal parts, and committed to performing. There’s no need to read music as no scores are given out when learning new music - all songs are taught by ear.
We do not hold auditions, although due to the popularity of the choir we encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.
You need to book in advance for the full term.
People may not remember what got them into the choir in the first place but the pleasure in singing the songs, the range of music and most importantly the community of singers keeps them coming every week. I have signed up for the spring term – Folk London, February 2024
When does the Choir meet?
Weekly on Wednesdays at Cecil Sharp House, 7–9pm
This is the best ongoing musical experience of my life
Advance booking is required.
Bookings normally open 6-8 weeks before the start of each term. A booking link for each term is always published under What's On/Courses.
Adult learning concessionary rates are available for people: in full-time education; in receipt of Universal Credit; or an income-based benefit. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility before your attendance at the class or course - either in person at the Box Office or emailed to [email protected]
Summer 2025
Wednesdays: 23, 30 April | 7, 14, 21 May | 4, 11, 18, 25 June | 2, 9, 16 July
No session 28 May - half term
For more information, please visit our Terms & Conditions
Interim Choir Leader: Ben See
Ben See is a singer, composer and choir leader based in London. He specialises in new vocal music and community singing.
Ben has a passion for getting people singing, and leads choirs and workshops all over the UK (and further afield). He has recently started a new choir called SYRINX, singing a wide range of repertoire with harmony and heart. Ben has previously run choirs for Vocality, Euphonix, Fire Choir, OnSong, The Prince’s Trust, PRS and more. Recent singing projects include collaborations with SKY Arts, Southbank Centre, Dartington Summer School, Nest Collective, Sound & Music and many more.
Ben’s music has been played on BBC6Music, BBC Radio3, BBC London, Resonance FM, and in concert venues all over the world, including Southbank Centre, Union Chapel, Kings Place, Bridgewater Hall and many more. Recent projects include new works in collaboration with Streetwise Opera, BBC Concert Orchestra, ORA Singers, Handel Hendrix House & The Sixteen.
Ben is one half of Ben & Dom, a singing duo who weave their voices around songs old and new. The intricate blend of their harmonies comes from a close friendship and shared love of singing together. The duo have performed for audiences all over the UK, including sets at Cambridge Folk Festival & Cecil Sharp House. Their music has been played on BBC6Music, BBC Radio3 and internationally.
Choir Leader: Rose Martin
She has all the experience, energy and most importantly sense of humour needed to be an excellent choir leader – Folk London, March 2024
With firm roots in both the choral and folk traditions, Rose is a passionate believer in the power of singing together and sharing songs to create a strong sense of community and cohesion. Rose grew up in Kent, and later studied at Chetham’s School of Music, and King’s College London, where she cut her teeth as a choral scholar. Over the last ten years Rose has worked as a choral singer, conductor, workshop leader and teacher, and her musical journey has spanned many genres, with folk always being closest to her heart.
Rose loves to bring people together in song, and leads a number of office choirs in London. She’s a vocal coach and conductor for the Kent Youth Choirs, Musical Director of Note-orious, (an East Dulwich community choir) and has recently led a community singing project for Shakespeare’s Globe. As a performer, Rose has sung with some of the finest choirs around, and continues to sing in many genres, the common thread being singing with others! She is a member of the vocal group Shards, and has sung on many albums and film soundtracks with the London Contemporary Orchestra and London Voices. Growing up with an Irish heritage, Rose has always been fascinated by traditional music and has developed a wide knowledge and love for folk music from around the British Isles and the world. Her enthusiasm for folk music has also involved working with the Trad Academy, and with a collective of folky friends regularly playing and calling ceilidhs.
Raising the roof: my time with the Cecil Sharp House singers
Read the article by Sarah Lloyd in Folk London magazine, March 2024
Watch: some recent performances
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