This post feels more personal than most. Probably because notorious is my baby and because it turns 20 this year and we are having the ultimate celebration!
In 1997 we designed notorious to be the kind of choir we wanted to sing in. Nothing like it existed then – and call me biased but there are few choirs like it even since the growth of choirs in recent years (people who leave to live in other parts of the world often complain they can’t find a choir quite like ours).
Gig in a Coffin Factory
We wanted to sing a very wide range of music – basically anything that took our fancy! And we wanted to sing in unusual venues.
We also wanted to be a choir that strives for high quality performances but at the same time remain a non-audition choir.
I’m pleased to report that I think we are still holding true to these aims 20 years on and from the 7 people at the start we now have a regular 35 turning up each week – so we must be doing something right. We’ve sung in coffin factories, caves, municipal tips and all sort of crazy unexpected places and we still sing the music that takes our fancy – skilfully enabled by our arranger Richard Salt.
We never wanted to be a big choir so we do keep a waiting list if we go over 40 singers in a term – but this is the one rule we are breaking for our anniversary year! We have invited old members to join us for one special BIG version of notorious for the climax of our celebrations.
Notorious as backing choir for The Twang
On 25th November 2017 at Town Hall Birmingham- for one night only – notorious will be a choir of over 70 singers.
Booking Town Hall was a big and brave step for a small non-funded charity like notorious – but we did it and 2 weeks from now we will sing Faure’s Requiem and Rutter’s Magnificat- and I for one can’t wait!
Tickets are going well – but Town Hall is a big place and we need every supporter to turn out and join us for the show – so please do join us.
I can promise the most electric atmosphere! Rehearsals all term have had a level of excitement never seen before and I’m really pleased with the hard work everyone has put in to make the music sound wonderful..
It would be lovely to see you all there.
Tickets can be purchased here.
News Coverage from 1997
First gig at the Roundhouse Birmingham
Clare Edwards 
Great to celebrate your wonderful anniversary in this way. I would come along but it is my mother’s 92nd andI am up north . Good luck, have a great evening and here’s to the next 20 years!!
Well done Clare – this is an amazing achievement!