We are London’s largest World Music Choir.

We hope that you will find all the information you need to tempt you along to one of our many events, ranging from an evening choir practice to a full-scale performance at our base, the Union Chapel on Highbury Corner.

Songlines has been raising the rafters in North London for just over a decade and in that time we have grown, mostly by word of mouth, from a tiny group of thirteen to a huge diverse choir of around seventy voices. Our members come from all walks of life and their commitment to and enthusiasm for singing world musician exhilarating harmony ensures that audiences and participants alike are uplifted and inspired. We believe that Songlines is much more than just a choir. As well as weekly rehearsals we organise singing camps and retreats, recording sessions, busking parties, holidays abroad, open workshops for all levels of experience and confidence, social events and musical evenings with international guests and teachers. We even have an improvisation group that creates amazing original material.Some of us are born soloists and some are thrilled by the ensemble,so we don’t believe in auditions and, in ten years, nobody has ever been turned away. We believe that everybody has a voice and should be encouraged to develop and enjoy it.

We have been going so long – with several members of the original choir still with us – that we are probably a little advanced for absolute beginners to attempt ensemble harmony.
However, if you can hold a tune and are willing to practice, come and give us a whirl. We believe that everybody has a voice and should be encouraged to develop and enjoy it. We don’t use written music so everything is taught by ear but we do expect all regular choir members to have a device to record their parts for home learning and practice.

Sarah Jewell – Musical Director

New Members

We recruit new members to the choir almost every term (although usually not just before really big performances). To find out how to become a member of London’s most vibrant, exuberant and enthusiastic choir, please leave a comment.