About
Crouch End Festival Chorus is one of Britain’s leading symphonic choirs with a reputation nationally and internationally for its eclectic repertoire, innovation and versatility in both the concert hall and recording studio.
Based in north London, the choir was founded in 1984 by David Temple and John Gregson. John is still very much involved as one of our patrons. David has remained as Music Director since the first rehearsal in 1984, and we are delighted that his success and hard work was formally recognised with the award of MBE in the 2018 New Year's Honours for services to music.
Under David’s leadership and with around 150 singers on our books, we are proud to be known for our wide range of singing skills - performing and recording specially commissioned pieces as well as the traditional classical works from the 16th to 21st centuries.
The choir promotes its own concerts at major London venues such as the Barbican Hall and Royal Festival Hall while also celebrating its north London roots with performances in Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Highgate (see Our Calendar for future performances.)
We have performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in classical and rock music, including tenor Andrea Bocelli, bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, composers Ennio Morricone and Hans Zimmer and rock stars Sir Ray Davies and Noel Gallagher.
Ray Davies and CEFC at the Royal Festival Hall, 2011 | Picture: Matt Biddulph
We are also in demand in the studio, recording everything from commercials and film sound tracks to albums with major pop music and classical artists. We regularly take part in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and are involved in a wide range of engagements on television, radio and in the concert hall with other major musical figures.
You can find out what the choir has been doing in News and this season's programme.
Patrons
Crouch End Festival Chorus is proud to have these distinguished figures as patrons:
- Meirion Bowen
- Reynold D'Silva
- Sir Ray Davies CBE
- Sir Mark Elder CBE
- Dame Liz Forgan DBE
- Noel Gallagher
- John Gregson
- Alison Pearce
- Sir Bryn Terfel CBE
- Debbie Wiseman OBE
- Hans Zimmer
Past Patrons
- Sir Colin Davis CBE
- Ennio Morricone
CEFC commissions
The choir has commissioned works from Simon Bainbridge, Howard Haigh, Orlando Gough, Sally Beamish, John Woolrich, David Bedford, Joby Talbot, Paul Patterson, Matthew Ferraro, James McCarthy, Murray Gold, Will Todd, Bernard Hughes, Roland Perrin, Laura Bowler, Ryan Latimer, Jessica Curry and Cassie To.
Management and policies
Registration
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Limited by guarantee and registered in England, no: 5052052
Registered office
1st Floor, Sackville House, 143-149 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 6BL
Registered charity no: 1110790
