The Hurst Singers is a mixed voice choir based in Mortimer, Berkshire.
Our name is derived from the choir’s origins in ??, where it met at the Hurst School where? The choir moved to be based in Mortimer in when/history?
Who we are and what we sing
We like to sing a very wide range of music, e.g. from pop to folk songs, religious music to jazz – we have recently branched out into some quite original selections. This wide variety of music challenges the choir to sing in different styles.
We sing in four parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass – which makes for a rich, enjoyable sound. The music is chosen by a small music team, often taking ideas from the choir members. Our ethos is to reach a high standard whilst enjoying our time together.
Why come and sing with us ?
Do you sing in the bath? In the car? In a football crowd? Maybe you play an instrument and would like to try singing? Do you want to keep your brain in tip-top condition by reviving or learning some new skills?
Singing in a choir is more than just a bit of fun. It’s been scientifically proven that it is good for your health: from getting more oxygen into the blood, to increasing the flow of feel-good hormones and improving mental health. Join us to prove this for yourself !
New members with any kind of singing experience are welcome. You don’t have to be able to read music, and no audition is required, just plenty of enthusiasm, commitment and a passion for singing.
The Hurst Singers performs two formal concerts per year (presently Summer and Christmas), with added engagements singing to support local events and communities. We also try to hold a couple of rehearsals which are open for people to come and listen or take part.
What Happens Each Week
We meet at 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the lovely St. John’s Hall, Mortimer, each Thursday during term time. The choir comprises a wide mix of people and it’s sociable, local and fun. We insist on a tea/coffee break, to rest voices and to give time to catch up with colleagues.
How do we learn the music?
We learn during rehearsals, and also the tracks for your part can be on the members’ page of this website plus often on the internet. we ‘buddy up’ new members with established members, who can help and guide. And – especially if you are not really experienced – it’s a new challenge that’s really good brain-training ! What matters is a willingness to join in and have a go.
It’s genuinely amazing how what seems a bit of a challenge at first comes together to sound really good as we get towards concert time.
For our audiences
You will hear some good standards of singing and plenty of enthusiasm, as well as our varied and often original choices of music.
The Hurst Singers performs two formal concerts per year (presently Summer and Christmas), with added engagements singing to support local events and communities.
We try to hold at least one ‘open rehearsal’ each year, with refreshments, where people can listen to us practicing and join in if they wish.
‘Hiring’ us !
We are happy to sing at events, and can sometimes provide a smaller group than the full choir. In recent years we have sung at the QEII jubilee celebrations, the Mortimer Community Carols, and a Mortimer Green Day.
Music we have sung recently
In recent concerts we have sung music by/sung by:
Cold Play
Eric Whitacre
Anton Bruckner
Duke Ellington
Andy Beck
Gabriel Fauré
Edward Elgar
Elvis Presley
Katrina and the Waves
Extracts from the musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’
Some choir recordings
St. John’s Church July 2025:
- It Don’t Mean a Thing
- Cantique
- Seal Lullaby
- Jazz Cantate
Charity giving
Profits from concerts go towards the necessary expenses of the choir and venue, and we try to give a proportion to charities as well.
Contact
Get in touch using the email address below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Email Thehurstsingers@gmail.com
Joining and location details
Join us and you will get your first month free. Contact us for more information.
If wish to join us, contact us on Thehurstsingers@gmail.com.
How to find Mortimer (St Johns) Village Hall, RG7 3TF: http://www.stjohnshallmortimer.org/