Collegium is a choral ensemble whose philosophy embraces the challenges of choral excellence, responsibility and leadership, friendship, participation and spiritual awareness and personal connection to all around us and our environment.

We are lucky to sing the great works of western civilisation mostly renaissance, baroque and classical and benefit by them. Its not uncommon for those who took up choral singing at an early age to live long into an energetic old ages. Some started with the ensemble 40 years ago as young mums.

Its never to late to start singing. Nor too early. I was inspired by a street performer visiting Hinckley and Warwick this month who started performing at 6! Many take it up as a hobby in retirement. We welcome retirees. All we ask is a commitment to reach performance standard with us. This requires some labour on the scores and attendence at rehearsals so guest conductors who whip us into shape for our performances can do so effeicently over the last three rehearsals.

Adult singers come from a wide range of backgrounds and from home and abroad. The singers, collectively, have very considerable experience and wisdom of music and life. Whilst we have collective aims, everyone is treated as an individual. As an individual, everyone is part of a larger group – the Choir, the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass sections. We respect all around us as individuals and are caring about them, and always being prepared to help when needed. We believe that a friendly and happy atmosphere brings out the best in all of us helped by the rehearsal tea and cake, and meeting to share a picnic at Hill Close and annual dinner.

In a choral community, every individual bears significant responsibility. We depend on each other in rehearsal and performance. Setting a good example of friendliness and hardwork is a major part of this responsibility. This magic doesnt just happen!

Friendship and Relationships One of the greatest gifts we can receive is that of friendship – being received into a group openly and willingly. For most adults, one of the best memories of choral singing was the forging of friendships, many of which last a lifetime and skill of our guest conductors and accompaniest Adrian Moore who has ever been a friend to our efforts in rehearsal and performance.

Singing music from Netherlands, Germany, Austria, London, France and Italy gives us the opportunity for international contacts and goodwill. Warwick has long had a connection with northern Germany.

This year we are singing German a lot! Before the tragedies of the last century Britain and Northern Germany were in a personal and close union. This personal union ended in 1866 (Queen Victoria was a woman so couldnt rule Northern Germany). Much might have been spared all our peoples. A good example of the value of the noble principles of diversity and toleration.

Now after disunion we Europeans are in european union of one kind or another. Long may our friendships last through the celebration of our shared and particular unique cultural heritage and languages. Hands were made for shaking.

Are you? a theist (god the creator) atheist (no creator) or agnostic ( literally without knowledge - I dont have an opinion as I have “no knowledge” of the subject matter). Adult choristers have their own private opinions and experience as did the composers of the music we sing and listen to.

The choir is open to those of all faiths and none. We value our relationship with the parish community of St Marys Warwick and other choirs. We are a true collegium in that many members sing with their own local churches and all are welcome of whatever background and belief.

You can find the 1986 New English Hymnal used at St Marys Warwick here. NEH Playlist

Chair, Collegium Warwick 2025

As an ensemble we aim to maintain a regular rehearsal group of about 30 experienced members familiar with the core scores.

This allows for personal commitments and occasional epidemic among the tenors.

Our ticketed performances attract an audience of between 80 and 120. This generous community support enables us to provide for excellent soloists, guest conductors, quartet and orchestra and not least our skilled accompaniest Adrian Moore. More about Adrian below.

Our social life is important and we catch up with friends old and new at our annual dinner and summer Hill Close picnic.

In rehearsal the ensemble is as necessary self directing with the section leaders and leading members providing support and encouragement as we work our way through our repertoire.

We encourage members to invest in the necessary core scores of Handel, Mozart, Bach, Faure, Brahms as we aim to join with other choirs in large and small scale performances and benefit from their learning as well as performing our own community’s choral favourites.