Forth Valley Chorus

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Forth Valley Chorus

With over 100 members, Forth Valley Chorus is a world renowned women’s barbershop a cappella chorus from Edinburgh. Eight time UK Barbershop Champions, they have achieved international success as a member of Sweet Adelines International, a worldwide network of female barbershop singers with over 20,000 members globally.

Vocally and visually stunning, Forth Valley Chorus take great joy in pefecting their craft to deliver performances their audiences won't forget. All under the wonderful directorship of their talented musical leader, David Sangster.

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We are delighted to be awarded 6th place at the 2023 SAI International competition in Louisville, Kentucky. You can watch our finals set here:

About Forth Valley Chorus

As members of Sweet Adelines International, Forth Valley Chorus compete regularly in their regional chorus competition. Forth Valley are part of Region 31, comprising the UK and Netherlands. Competitions are a special time for quartets and choruses to sing for each other and receive some constructive feedback from a panel of judges. The winners of the regional competition in both quartet and chorus categories are invited to compete in the international competition, which is held in autumn in the USA the following year.

Forth Valley Chorus has won the regional competition 8 times, winning their first regional gold medal in 1993, which meant they could represent the region in Reno. There have been 8 gold medals allowing the chorus to compete internationally in Reno, Seattle, Denver, Baltimore, Las Vegas, and New Orleans. Forth Valley Chorus is currently the top-ranking UK chorus in Sweet Adelines International. They placed 10th in the world at their last international competition in New Orleans, September 2019 - the highest a UK chorus has ever ranked at an international level.

In May 2022, they won in Warwick with their highest score ever of 696. In November 2023 the chorus went on to achieve 6th place in the international contest which took place in Louisville, Kentucky USA. This is the highest placing that a British chorus has ever achieved.

The chorus rehearses weekly to perfect their vocal, emotional and visual performances. But it’s not all hard work. Forth Valley Chorus is a true sisterhood, with members spanning a range of ages and backgrounds, united in their love of singing, performing and learning as well as in their love and support for one another.

Who we are....

Our Musical Leaders

David Sangster, Musical Director

David’s musical background is originally classical, and he is an accomplished pianist and teacher. He brings his knowledge, passion for close harmony singing, and what he would call a healthy competitive streak to all that we do. Nothing escapes David’s eye and ear for detail, and he brings great stage presence to Forth Valley Chorus performances. The chorus is especially proud to sing a number of songs arranged by both David and our talented assistant director, Rosalind Johnson, in our repertoire.

Rosalind Johnson, Assistant Director

Rosalind has been singing a cappella since she was a teenager and was bitten by the barbershop bug at the age of 17. In 2010 she joined Forth Valley Chorus where she has been a baritone section leader and assistant director since September 2018. Rosalind has also won two regional top five medals with her quartets SPARK (2016) and Element (2018). In 2021 Rosalind was thrilled to be appointed to the Sweet Adelines International Region 31 Faculty and given the opportunity to deliver barbershop education across the UK and the Netherlands.

Linda McCurrach, Assistant Director

Linda has been involved in barbershop singing with Forth Valley for over 30 years and as a former section leader and team leader brings with her a wealth of experience in most aspects of a cappella singing. Part of her duties include the care of prospective members and she is the first person they meet on an initial visit. Her enthusiasm for her craft is infectious and this usually translates into a return visit!

Use the QR code above or click here to support our fundraising efforts.