London Oriana Choir celebrates 50th anniversary

The London Oriana Choir (LOC) will be celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary throughout its 2023/24 season with an exciting, action-packed programme.

LOC has come a long way from its first ever rehearsal, all the way back on 14 November 1973 in Edgware, when the choir was founded by Leon Lovett and started its life as an evening class under the auspices of the Inner London Education Authority. From then, it grew and expanded, taking on high-profile collaborations and recordings (like Classic Quadrophenia, Kingdom Hearts Orchestra and the Eurovision Song Contest) to now beloved traditions, like their popular European tours that have been taking place almost every year since 1979.

Musical Director (MD) Dominic Ellis-Peckham leading a performance at Cutty Sark

Its 50th anniversary programme will feature everything that makes the choir stand out from the crowd, including '50 Years of Song' - a gala concert and reception, a documentary film covering the choir’s first 50 years, alumni events, raising funds for the Music for Dementia charity, a new commission from composer and patron Cecilia McDowall, tours to Liverpool, Harwich and Paris, and many, many more.

Here's what the choir's MD had to say:

'I am immensely proud to be leading this choir into its second half century. During this dynamic season, we will certainly be celebrating the past 50 years but will also have our eyes fixed firmly on the future. The nature of this choir is that we are always looking to move forward with our programming, partners and performances. I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years will bring.' - Dominic Ellis-Peckham 

Book your tickets today and join them for their celebrations!

You can help support the costs of their anniversary programme by donating.

Read the full programme in their 50th anniversary brochure.

Find out more about London Oriana Choir on their website and follow them on Facebook / YouTube / X (Twitter).