About Quinborne Choir
Quinborne Choir is an auditioned classical choir based in Birmingham, performing a wide range of choral music to a high standard.
Based in Harborne, we bring together singers from across Birmingham and the surrounding areas to rehearse weekly and perform concerts throughout the year.
Known for our friendly and supportive atmosphere, we welcome new singers and audiences who enjoy high-quality live choral music.
Our Choir
Quinborne Choir is a friendly and welcoming auditioned choir singing to a high standard in Harborne, Birmingham.
Our repertoire
Established in 1939, Quinborne Choir specialises in traditional choral music from the 15th – 21st centuries.
While our repertoire is mostly ‘classical’ in the broadest sense of the word, we sometimes also include jazz, spirituals and folk music in our concert programmes.
We perform a wide range of choral works from well-known classics by composers such as Handel, Vivaldi and Mozart to pieces by contemporary composers such as Bob Chilcott, Cecilia McDowall and Reena Esmail.
We also perform more unusual and lesser-known repertoire, for example a recent programme of music by 17th -century Italian women composers.
We perform regular concerts in Birmingham, welcoming local audiences to enjoy a varied programme of choral music.
Four-part harmony (SATB)
Quinborne Choir usually sings in four-part harmony (SATB), sometimes splitting further into up to eight parts.
Some pieces are sung unaccompanied, but many are accompanied by piano or organ and, occasionally, by other instruments.
We have also sung with orchestral accompaniment as part of collaborations with two local orchestras.
Who we are as a choir
Quinborne Choir is a friendly, auditioned classical choral choir based in Harborne, Birmingham, bringing together singers who enjoy rehearsing and performing a wide range of high-quality choral music.
We have around 45 singers from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands area. Our choir members come from a wide range of musical backgrounds but share a passion for singing alongside others.
Our Musical Director
Nicola Starkie is Quinborne Choir’s Musical Director. A versatile musician with over 30 years' experience as a choral conductor. Her leadership combines high musical standards with warmth, energy and a real passion for choral music.
Our Accompanist
Darren Hogg is Quinborne Choir’s highly experienced Birmingham-based accompanist, bringing skilled and sensitive support to rehearsals and performances as both a pianist and organist.
Choir Rehearsals: when and how to get to choir practice
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Queen Alexandra College in Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9TG.
See map at the bottom of this page.
What our members say about Quinborne Choir:
An informal short audition after a few weeks
After a few weeks to try out some choir rehearsals, we hold a short, informal audition for new members.
This is designed to assess potential, musicality and vocal range, and to place you as a new singer in the most suitable section, ensuring both your confidence and the overall balance of the choir.
We aim to make the audition process relaxed and supportive, helping new members to settle in quickly.
Come try out our choir
You’re really welcome to try out our choir before deciding to join. Do come to visit us and join in with some rehearsals to see if Quinborne Choir is a good fit for you both musically and socially.
We have members of all ages from mid-20s upwards.
Join Us
Find out more about joining the choir or upcoming concerts using the links.
- Our members describe the choir as enjoyable, confidence-building, and a great way to improve vocal skills.
- As a Quinborne-based community choir, we offer regular live performances in the local area, giving singers the chance to grow in confidence and enjoy the exhilaration of performing live together.
- Beyond the music, you’ll become part of a friendly, sociable group; many members form lasting friendships.
- Develop your musicianship while enjoying a welcoming, creative community.
Join our choir today!
If you are looking to join a choir in Birmingham, Quinborne Choir offers a friendly supportive atmosphere combined with strong musical standards and the opportunity to sing an imaginative range of traditional choral music.
Where our choir members come from
Our singers come from across Birmingham and the surrounding areas, including Harborne, Edgbaston, Bearwood, Quinton, Selly Oak, Bournville, Kings Heath, Moseley and Stirchley, as well as further afield from Halesowen, Smethwick, Oldbury, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield, Droitwich and from across the wider West Midlands and Worcestershire area.
We are a friendly, auditioned amateur choir conveniently located for those living or working near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and Newman University.
We hope the information on this page has told you about Quinborne Choir but anything else you need to know, just get in touch
