THE South London Singers formed as a chamber choir in 1982, and the group has thrived ever since. There are some 35 to 40 members, and the SLS is now firmly established on the local music scene in the Beckenham area.

The choir was initially conducted by Derek Williams. John Nightingale took over as Musical Director in 1988. Under his baton, the SLS has continued to raise its standards and set new musical goals for itself. It tackles a wide-ranging repertoire encompassing sacred and secular music by composers of all periods from the 15th century to the present. It concentrates on works that are either unaccompanied or performed with the accompaniment of an organ or small instrumental ensemble.

English music is a strong element in our programming, but works by a wide cross-section of continental and non-European composers are also performed. The choir has given well-received performances of baroque works, romantic part-songs, and American music. Programmes are designed to complement, rather than compete with, the activities of larger choral societies.

The South London Singers are affiliated to Making Music, the National Federation of Music Societies, an organisation that supports amateur choirs and orchestras and voluntary music promoters throughout the UK, and also to the Bromley Arts Council, which aims to maintain, improve and develop the arts in the London borough of Bromley.