Hardynge is the ancient name for Harpenden, dating from when it was a farming hamlet growing wheat for the nearby manor of Wheathampstead. The choir's name and logo symbolise these enduring connections.
The Hardynge Choir started in 1966 and continues to provide a challenging outlet for singers wishing to perform mainstream choral works alongside inventive programming and the commissioning of new repertoire. The choir currently has over 60 members.
There are no formal individual auditions for entry or ongoing membership. We believe that singing should be taken seriously and worked at hard, but above all it should be fun and open to as many people as possible.
Three or four concerts are given each year, usually with professional orchestras and soloists.
Hardynge Choir regularly rehearse on a Monday evening during school term time.
Rehearsals are held in the School Hall of St Helen’s C of E Primary School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, AL4 8AN, between 7:45pm and 9:45pm, unless otherwise indicated. The Committee is committed to keeping choir members safe, so all applicable Covid advice and measures will be followed.
In the week of the concert, Hardynge Choir has extra rehearsals: on Wednesday, and in the concert venue on the day of the concert. The Monday or Wednesday rehearsal may also be in the concert venue.