Reading Gay Chorus welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangendered people with an opportunity to indulge their passion for singing in a relaxed and friendly environment. Originally the Reading Gay Men's Chorus (in 2003) lesbians were invited to join for a series of Christmas carol parties that December. These were such a success that the arrangement was made permanent and the Reading Gay Men's Chorus became simply the Reading Gay Chorus.

We are of mixed backgrounds and abilities – you’re not expected to be experienced, to read music, or to have an audition (although our musical director will need to check which section you’ll be singing in).

For our autumn/winter term we have a new Musical Director, Matt Jelf. Matt is also Deputy Music Director of the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Music Director of Shalford Choral Society (Guildford), the News International Choir of London (Wapping) and the Take Note Chamber Choir (Lambeth). See www.mattjelf.com for more details.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangendered people are invited to join the chorus - you just need to have the desire to sing with other gay people. There are no auditions and you don’t have to be an experienced singer or be able to read music. You don't even have to live in Reading – we’re from all over the Thames Valley area.

Just come along to our rehearsals and have a go. We practice every Sunday afternoon from 16:00-18:00 at the South Street Arts Centre, 21 South Street, Reading, RG1 4QU - near the town centre. If you would like to know more before you decide to come along, then e-mail us at enquiries@rgc.gb.com or call 07749 949485.

Rehearsing every Sunday may seem like an onerous commitment. However, Chorus members are not expected to attend each and every rehearsal, although some continuity is important - especially in the run up to a performance.

Singing is thirsty work so we have a short break during practice and afterwards some of us gather to share a drink or two at a gay-friendly pub. The Chorus offers a great chance to socialise with a diverse mix of gay men and women of all ages and backgrounds.

The Chorus is run by an elected committee from the membership. They meet monthly to plan and organise a programme of performances, and to oversee Chorus business such as publicity, membership, and finance.

Membership fees are paid by standing order so that we can plan our funding and expenditure. The fees cover costs of premises hire for rehearsals, refreshments, professional fees, publicity and other sundry costs.

However, we look for funding from elsewhere to ensure that membership is affordable to all. If you are interested in sponsoring RGC then please contact us - all sponsors will be acknowledged in our publicity. Supporters who can offer other forms of assistance are also welcome – such as helping to advertise us, helping with the web pages or stewarding at our concerts. Friends and supporters are welcome to visit and sit in on rehearsals.

We stage two concerts per year – usually in the summer and then in winter. We have also been asked to appear at other events, including:

Of course, no-one’s forced to perform in public if they prefer not to.