About Harrow Harmony

Harrow Harmony was formed in 1999 by Hilary Musgrave and several enthusiastic members of her Singing for Starters, a choral course for beginners run under the auspices of Harrow Choral Society.  Many wished to carry on their singing after the course ended and were keen to create a new choir.
In September 2023 Ira Kalechman took over as Musical Director (following Robert Hainault who was Musical Director September 2022 - July 2023).
 
Rehearsals

The choir rehearses on Friday evenings at South Harrow Methodist Church, Walton Avenue, South Harrow, HA2 8QU from 19:45 – 21:45 (with a 15 minute break at 20:45).

Repertoire

We sing a wide variety of music, including well-known classical pieces, traditional spirituals from around the world as well as songs by modern composers such as Howard Goodall, Karl Jenkins, Bob Chilcott and John Rutter.  However, innovative arrangements of popular songs have always formed a large part of the repertoire as well as songs from the musicals.  Recent concerts have demonstrated this versatility and have included music by ABBA, Gershwin, Mamas & Papas, Richard Rodgers, Queen, commissioned arrangements by Philip Lawson (of The King's Singers) plus works by classical composers such as W A Mozart, Henry Purcell, Thomas Tallis and G F Handel.  To appeal to a wide audience, Harrow Harmony sings an eclectic mix of both classical and popular music.

Performances

Harrow Harmony usually performs three main concerts locally during the year, a festive celebration in December in which there is always a chance for audience participation and two larger concerts in spring and summer, usually featuring guest musicians.

We have performed at other local events such as Voices For Hospices and previously seven times at the London Sangerstevne where we were able to perform at Cadogan Hall and Holy Sepulchure London as part of the annual non-competitive festival. Take a look at our Videos page to see our performances at these events.

We have also performed at The Roundhouse in Chalk Farm as part of the Voices Now festival.

Concert Celebration CD

In July 2008 we embarked upon a new venture by recording a CD entitled Harrow Harmony Concert Celebration in which we reflected our diverse musical tastes performing pieces by, among others, Vivaldi, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Sting, The Beach Boys and arrangements of traditional gospel songs.

Anniversary Milestones

September 2009 saw the 10th anniversary of the formation of the choir and as part of our celebrations we commissioned Philip Lawson, former baritone and principal arranger for The King's Singers to compose brand new arrangements of three North East folk songs; Bobby Shafto, Blow The Wind Southerly and The Keel Row.  We were very excited to give these pieces their world première.

15th Anniversary

In September 2014 it was 15 years since Harrow Harmony was formed.  We commissioned Philip Lawson to compose a brand new piece called Sing We And Chant It which received its world première in March 2015.