Coming soon! Scottish Opera and NHS Lothian Chorus

Following on from the success of the Oedipus Rex performance at the Edinburgh International Festival last August, we are delighted to once again work in partnership with Scottish Opera to launch a new Community Chorus for NHS Lothian staff this spring.

The chorus will provide a welcoming space for members to explore a diverse range of musical styles, including opera, classical, folk, popular, and world music. Led by Alistair Digges, rehearsals are scheduled to take place weekly on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, at St Columba’s by the Castle Scottish Episcopal Church, 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh. The first rehearsal is set for Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

You don’t need to read music, and you don’t need to have sung in a choir or chorus before. Just come along, and see what fun singing in a group setting can be! 

Len McCaffer, Tonic Arts Manager, said:

Last year’s performance was such a success and I was so proud to be part of it. Seeing the transformation from day 1 of rehearsals to the performance itself, was incredible. The sense of community, the friendships formed and the sheer delight on everyone’s faces was something to behold. I am delighted that we are able to continue our partnership with Scottish Opera and offer staff another opportunity to be part of the Community Chorus.”

This is what last year’s Chorus participants had to say:

This has been transformative for me. It’s helped me to recognise how stressed I was, get some much-needed balance back into my life.”

One of the most special parts of the experience was connecting with colleagues from all over NHS Lothian. Pulling together as a team to create something special for our community, but also in informal networking.”

Attending the choir after a hectic day/week at work was so great for un-winding and de-stressing.  I always felt lighter, more motivated and nourished after a rehearsal.”

We welcome new participants to join each term by purchasing a Community Chorus Membership. We charge for memberships on a Pay What You Can basis. Memberships start at £30 for a 10-week block of rehearsals, or you can pay £40 or £50 a term, depending on what you would like to pay. No participant will miss out due to financial circumstances. For more information on instalment payments and free memberships, please email: [email protected]