The de Merc Chamber Choir is a Registered Charity (number 1095387) and is affiliated to Making Music (the National Federation of Music Societies) which represents and supports amateur vocal and instrumental music groups throughout the United Kingdom. Supported by Harlow Council.

As well as promoting our own concerts, de Merc performs at other organisations’ events in a number of ways.  Here are some of the usual ones.

Music Societies  have a vested interest in the interesting and unusual music and can approach us to perform specific repertoire at one of their meetings. A fee would normally be charged for these occasions.

Churches often hold their own concert series and will either ask us to participate in this or to collaborate in a joint promotion, often to  raise money for a project of their own.  This has worked well in many village churches, who often do not have a choir in residence but really enjoy hosting a high quality concert for their parish. We frequently perform on a Saturday evening outside of our local area staying overnight in guest houses and then participating in the church services next morning. A hostelry with good food and real ale is particularly  attractive to our singers and friends.  We would normally share the  net ticket sales with our partners in these joint ventures. We also enjoy singing evensong where churches do not have their own  choir.

Weddings -We can supply a small choir or quartet to sing the appropriate pieces for a wedding ceremony, subject to the availability of balanced group of singers, an organist or other musicians. We can discuss the fees for these occasions with you

"We would like to thank you so much for such a beautiful performance at our wedding.  It was exactly what we were hoping for, you are very talented singers and such a pleasure to talk to.  I would recommend you to anyone...100%! We had so many comments on how beautiful the singing was at our ceremony and what a brilliant choir you were.  Thank you so much for agreeing to perform at such short notice." (Chelmsford, August 2008).

After-Dinner Entertainments - We are frequently asked to sing grace, entertain between courses, and after the meal is finished.  We do however insist that diners listen to us during our short performances rather than talk amongst themselves.  We have an extensive repertoire of light, amusing, and easy-listening pieces for both mixed and men’s voices (mainly barbershop).  We would normally perform for a fee and hospitality.

To discuss your requirements, please contact:  Adrian Jolliffe, our Musical Director,  on 07763 183 252 or  Jane Fox, our secretary, on 01279 428967 or jfoxsrn@ntlworld.com.