We are one of the most enterprising and talented choirs in the London region, performing a dynamic and challenging repertoire. We give a minimum of four concerts each year in London’s major concert halls and churches as well as venues in Docklands and East London. In addition, the choir tours regularly in the UK and mainland Europe.

The 40-strong amateur choir is based at the University of East London  E16 2RD, drawing members from the local community and regularly performing with professional orchestras and soloists. We also promote and encourage the talents of our choir members who have opportunities to sing solo parts in each year's repertoire.

We are a UK registered charity, No 276517. Our aims are to:

• Inspire amateur singers to perform choral works to the highest standards and perform those works to the widest possible audience
• Bring classical music to East London and Docklands
• Give people access to top quality choral performances at affordable prices

You can see our concerts on the past concerts page, but we also sing in other contexts - weddings, corporate events, festivals, etc. We have sung at the launch of the Heritage Arts Show in West Ham Park, promoted the Mamma Mia DVD through singing to commuters on Waterloo station, had our Open Rehearsal broadcast on Radio London and recorded a television advert on location in Oxfordshire.

In addition to our singing, we have a history of raising money for worthwhile causes as well as for our own needs and have formed an alliance with Cancer Research UK. Our concerts are in aid of CRUK and in addition we donate 50% of our other major fundraising activities to the charity.

By coming to our concerts you can enjoy our singing while supporting an exceptionally worthwhile cause. You can also aid the choir’s fundraising effort online at www.justgiving.com/eastlondonchorus

Mailing list

To join our mailing list, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For priority bookings, reserved seating, etc, become a Friend of East London Chorus. More details are on the Support us page, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Our history

NELP Chorus was formed at the North-East London Polytechnic in 1971 under the leadership of music lecturer Michael Kibblewhite to give two performances - Verdi’s Requiem and Honegger’s King David - with the Forest Philharmonic and their conductor Frank Shipway. The success of these concerts led, in October 1972, to the 1972-3 first season of concerts promoted by NELP Chorus with Michael Kibblewhite conducting. The choir was a Polytechnic evening class based at the West Ham Precinct and was open to staff, students, and any members of the public who wished to enrol.

NELP Chorus flourished, becoming East London Chorus in 1989, when NELP became the Polytechnic of East London, later the University of East London. Rehearsals were held at the Barking and Stratford campuses. After the 21st anniversary concert with a commission by Robert Walker performed at the Guildhall, London, Michael Kibblewhite bowed out as Music Director. Murray Stewart became Music Director from 1993 until 2008, and during this time the Chorus moved to the Docklands campus of the University. In April 2009 Alex Chaplin became Music Director and a new chapter of East London Chorus began.

Further details about the Chorus are on the Join page.