Leeds University Union Music Society

Symphonic Choir

Rehearsals take place every Thursday between 05:00 pm – 07:00 pm at the School of Music Rehearsal Hall (term time only).

For any queries, reach out to us at luums.symphonicchoir@gmail.com.

Symphonic Choir is one of LUUMS two non-auditioned choirs, with a focus on sacred and secular classical works for SATB. In the last year we have performed three concerts as part of the LUUMS concert series’, singing works such as Mozart’s Lacrimosa and Fauré’s Requiem.

We are open to people of all singing abilities; whether you’re classically trained or you’ve never read music before, come and join us on a Thursday evening from 5-7pm in the School of Music Rehearsal Hall followed by a trip to Terrace or Old Bar.

Elinor Johns

Elinor Johns is a third-year Music and Music psychology student from Bath. She began singing in Bath Abbey Children’s Choir from age 7 and then went on to spend 7 years there as a chorister, performing in various places across Europe and recording for TV and radio. By 18, she’d achieved grade 8 in both singing and piano.

Since coming to Leeds, Elinor has loved singing with LUUMS Chorus, Symphonic Choir, and Chamber Choir, as well as being a choral scholar at Leeds Cathedral for two years. She is super excited to take on the roles of both social secretary and co-conductor of Symphonic choir in her third year, and particularly cannot wait to share her passion for choral music with singers from all backgrounds and skill levels, creating memorable performances and a strong sense of community.

Laura Carney

Laura is a third year Textile Design student from North Yorkshire. She has a passion for many different aspects of music, with violin as her first instrument and having joined Concert Band’s percussion section this year, Laura is always excited to be trying something new. They joined Symphonic Choir and Chorus in first year having found a passion for choral singing after joining North Yorkshire’s County Youth Choir in school.

Having learned to conduct for the first time this year, Laura is really excited to be developing her skills alongside co-conductor Elinor Johns. This year she hopes to combine both contemporary and classical pieces within the repertoire, providing varied rehearsals and concerts.

They loved being part of wider exec as Sinfonia manager in second year and are looking forward to moving into a new role this year!

Esme Newman

Esme Newman is a second year BSc Music, Multimedia and Electronics student who was born in East London, but grew up by the sea in the south of Spain. She has sung in choirs since the age of 9, and started playing the piano and ukulele at 14. Esme joined Symphonic Choir last year and enjoyed learning all of the repertoire as well as making new friends. It was very special performing Faure’s Requiem in the Winter Concert Series last year, with a surprise visit from her family!

Next year, she is looking forward to getting to know more LUUMS members whilst she co-manages the choir to help create new memories for everyone. Esme also is a member of Chorus and other societies such as Skate and Backstage. Her favourite thing about Leeds are the people, the social scene and the rabbits!

Isabel O’Brien

Isabel is from Tunbridge Wells in Kent. She is a singer, clarinet and piano player. She is looking forward to making Symphonic Choir fun and social! She has big plans for the choir including carol concerts and cross-ensemble performances. Her favourite piece of music is Rachmaninoff’s third piano concerto.

She also likes to read and cook and most importantly, go to the pub. Fun fact: Isabel once performed a movement from a clarinet concerto in front of Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s mum at an informal concert.