Tuesday 23 July 2024

Madrid International Choir: What makes us international?

 English speaking choir in Madrid




A choir, like any organisation, is not something just because its name says it is, you have to be what you say you are. In the case of Madrid International Choir, and our Ensemble, we can think about the following: 

Who are our singers and instrumentalists? 

What music do we perform?

Who do we perform with?


Our players and singers are truly international, coming to Madrid from more than 20 countries, including Spain, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Rumania, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, USA, Venezuela and Wales.


Some of our group have lived in Madrid all their lives, several settled here years ago and plan to stay, while others, especially our younger members, are visiting students who might be with us only for a few months. All are welcome, and each one brings their own personality and experience to our community.


Our repertoire is international since it includes lyrics in English by composers from UK and USA, in Spanish by composers from Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica, a Basque carol, texts in French, Latin, Italian and German, and a traditional Turkish song arranged especially for us by Elif Gozen.  

Collaboration is an important part of our character. In the last two seasons we have performed with a local orchestra, numerous Madrid choirs in the Dreamers concert at the Auditorio Nacional de Música, and with the Coro del Cabanyal both in Madrid and in Valencia. We also have performed memorable concerts with mezzo-soprano soloist Clara Conde, from Castellón, and with the Madrid-based international female barbershop choir The Barbees. The Jolly Holiday Singalong at the International Institute in Madrid was a happy occasion and we hope it will be a regular feature in our calendar.


In June 2024 we hosted our first visiting specialist when Phoebe Martha visited from London to lead a Vocal Improvisation Residency: see her work on Instagram @phoebespockets


We have been happy to welcome and share concerts with Canyon Crest Academy and The Stockton Chorale, both from California, and we had a very special weekend when singers from the Tanti Canti Choir visited from The Hague, Netherlands, with their director Elif Gozen. In the coming season we look forward to visits by the Estudio Coral Armentum from Costa Rica, and other choirs from, USA, Ireland and UK.


Madrid International Choir and Ensemble are international, not just in name, but in our origins, in our repertoire and in our numerous collaborations.



Photo: New Scientist

Madrid International Choir, English speaking choir in Madrid

Instagram @madridinternationalchoir2022

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Email: madridinternationalchoir@gmail.com

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