Join the Liverpool community choir that’s hitting the right note with everyone

While most of us love to sing, we can’t claim to sound as smooth as Sinatra or have the range of Mariah.

But there’s a city choir that would happily welcome your dulcet tones regardless: no fees; no waiting list, and no audition!

The Royal Court Community Choir is celebrating 15 years this year, boasting more than 100 members – and still counting!

And as the New Year New You ethos in January challenges everyone to consider a fresh start and introduce different hobbies, it’s issuing an invitation to everyone to ‘come and join us’.

Miriam Musso, head of community engagement for the Roe Street Theatre, says:

“The arts should be open to everyone and a choir should be open to everyone.

“I believe you shouldn’t have a waiting list, you shouldn’t have auditions, it should be free, and you should just let people come. We’ve removed all the barriers for people to engage in the arts in some way which I personally feel passionate about.”

The Royal Court Community Choir was started in 2011 under the leadership of Jay McWinen who, in the last year, has handed over the reins to city singer Sophie Leaver (‘although he still plans to come back from time to time’).

Miriam says:

“I came the same year to do a specific job, and I was like, why don’t we do this? Why don’t we do that? And a choir was one of those things I thought we could do.

“I was speaking to a variety of people who came here – we do our afternoon variety lunch clubs – and they agreed a choir would be great, so we decided to try it and see.

“At the first session we had about 12 or 13 people, and we now have over 100 members with an average of 60-70 people each week.

“It’s a fun thing for people who have always loved to sing,” adds Miriam. “And it’s a social thing.

“Everyone’s abilities and reasons for joining are different. We have people who are retired and used to be in a choir at school, and we have people who say it’s a lifesaver, it gets them out and into the theatre and mixing with people. It’s absolutely wonderful.

“Friendship groups have been formed with people meeting for lunch or in the afternoon before coming here, and that is just lovely.

“We have all different ages from around 25 to 80. Anyone from 18 can come, but it’s just organically grown like that.”

Miriam adds:

“I always say people talk with their feet. If no-one turned up, we wouldn’t do it. But they do and I can see the joy in people’s faces, I can see they love it.

“And Jay has been a real asset as I’m sure Sophie will be too.”

The choir is held on a Monday evening between 5-7pm, and sings a variety of music, from the 50s and 60s to the present day.

Members of the choir have sung at events across the city, as well as in performances at the Royal Court where productions have needed a little ensemble, or for special shows.

They performed a Eurovision medley on the main stage when the competition came to the city and they’ve sung at Pride events, at the Sefton Park and Isla Gladstone Palm Houses, and for other community venues and projects’ events.

“The choir is also invited to watch theatre dress rehearsals because they’re a ready-made audience,” smiles Miriam.

Choirmaster Sophie, 28, a singer, vocal coach and choral director based in Prescot, says:

“I got involved as I was looking to work with a friendly group of people and I just loved the atmosphere as soon as I came along to my first rehearsal.

“This choir offers a sense of community, friendship and we have lots of laughs! We learn a range of music in many different styles – and even different languages.

“Not only is singing great for your physical health, it helps support wellbeing and good mental health. And if you love to sing, you are welcome in our choir. There are no other requirements.

“So if you’re looking to try something new, make new friends and have some lovely experiences, you’re welcome to join us.”