Join the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus

Looking for a new hobby? You've found your people.

"A friend who was a member of the choir after a number of tries finally persuaded me to come along with him to a rehearsal night. The welcome from the members and seeing the pleasure they got from singing was enough to make me want to be part of the group. One of the best decisions I ever made."

Archie W.

Member since 2008

"I joined under pressure from a friend 20 years ago. I hadn’t sung in a choir since school. I hardly read music. For a few months I didn’t know what I was doing. Then I found I could sing … on stage … before an audience. In the Albert Hall in London. In the Carnegie Hall in New York. With a great group of people. Now I wonder, what would I do without my music? (Yes, that’s one of the songs we sing.)"

Jerry F.

Member since 2015

"I had followed the choir for many years and thought about joining for a while. I was worried about singing in Welsh and how I would learn. The guys were very welcoming and made the learning easy with phonetics and Welsh practice sessions."

Graham L.

Member since 2024

"Came for the music and joy of singing, stayed for the fellowship and the friends I made. Oh, and the beer. Oh, and the singing and drinking at the afterglow."

Gary D.

Member since 2020

"I have enjoyed the singing as well the fellowship. Also I was impressed with the level of commitment from the executive team, musical staff and choristers that they kept the practices going on Zoom during the Covid years."

Klaas S.

Member since 2017

"I joined the choir mainly to learn to sing harmony (a lifetime wish) but after nine years I have leaned that it is the fellowship that is the biggest inspiration to my coming back year after year. We have the best bunch of men you could meet. They are from all walks of life and all gentlemen. Do yourself a favour come along and enjoy one of the best experiences you will have in your life."

John M.

Member since 2016

"I love the choir. When i joined i got 40 new friends. Choir singing is a team sport. We all pull together."

Bruce Y.

Member since 2023

"For me the whole enjoyment in singing is the passion involved when performing. No matter what walk of life there is always welcome when I arrive at a practice. I just love to sing and BWMC is my musical home. I may add that it is 130kms to practice there and back each week, so I guess that I must have found my niche."

Dick Q.

Member since 2006

“The last time I sang with a choir was in school, I saw a visiting choir from Wales were singing in a concert with The Burlington Welsh Male Chorus just before my retirement, the concert was fantastic so I went along to a rehearsal, been singing ever since!”

John B.

Member since 2019

"Singing with the choir has been a tremendous pleasure providing treasures and benefits to me ever since — comraradery with a few dozen men; trips to perform from Ontario to Nova Scotia and New York; learning what 'rugby' is by singing the Welsh National Anthem before a game in Toronto. Consider joining to enable music to spark your soul."

Dennis K.

Member since 2004

"I was belting out Oh! Come all ye Faithful in the rugby club xmas party in 1999, a guy I didn’t know turned around and said you have a voice, you should come to the new choir we are starting. April following year, sat in Baritones, confused. Helped by some lovely friendly guys. SNAP . Cayman Islands On Tour 2003. SNAP . Royal Albert Hall 2006. SNAP. Carnegie Hall 2008. SNAP . Singing with Elvis Costello Hardly Strictly Bluegrass 2008. SNAP . Studio Toronto recording Only the River with Jon Langford. SNAP . next… What a series of adventures with a set of lifelong friends. Join us.

Julian M.

Member since 2001

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Oakville Fall Celtic Festival

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Knox Presbyterian Kincardine

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Christmas Concert, St. James Anglican, Dundas

A Thursday night tradition for men who miss music

🎤 Do I need to have previous singing experience (or be Welsh) to join?

You don’t need to be a soloist or have formal music training—few of us are soloists, few can read music, and less than half are Welsh!

📖 Do I have to read sheet music or know music theory?

Nope—most members learn lyrics phonetically rather than reading music, and many can’t read music at all.

🎶 What kind of music does the choir sing?

The choir performs a wide mix: Welsh folk songs, hymns/spirituals, Broadway/pop tunes, opera choruses, with piano and occasional other-instrument accompaniment.

🎟️ How often does the choir perform?

We typically perform around 12 events per season (September–May). Past concerts include local and international venues.

📅 When and where are rehearsals held?

Rehearsals happen every Thursday evening from 8–10 p.m. at the Burlington Music Centre, 2311 New Street, Burlington, Ontario. Join us at an upcoming Open House every Thursday evening in October 2025.

🗣️ Is there an audition or voice test?

There's no formal audition, but new members get a voice test for range and part placement (Tenor 1, 2, Baritone, Bass).

💵 How much does it cost to join?

Full members are required to make an annual donation, currently $180, due January 1 each year.

🍻 What are the social aspects of the choir like?

Social life is strong—the choir meets at a pub after rehearsals on Thursdays, promoting camaraderie along with musical fun. We also travel on tours and perform together.

👴 What’s the age range of the members?

Most of our members are between the ages of 60 - 75, but we’d love to have some younger members join.

👋 Can I come try it out before committing?

Yes! You can sit in on a few rehearsals for free to get a feel for the group and see if you’d like to join full-time.

🎼 What should I expect at rehearsal?

We’ll introduce you to a few friendly faces, help you find your voice part, and you’re free to just listen or sing along.

"A friend asked me if I would join him at a choir rehearsal, as a favour to him. I went, somewhat reluctantly, because I had never sang, (except at rugby matches!) and couldn’t read music. I was welcomed warmly by several old friends and soon met many new ones. In my wildest dreams I never imagined I would sing at the Albert Hall , but I have - twice! - and at Carnegie Hall, and many other places. I love celebrating my Welsh heritage and music, enjoy the great camaraderie and the many friendships, the fun at the afterglows after concerts, and the great feeling of being a part of a team. Learning the music and preparing for rehearsals and concerts has given me something to focus on and enjoy. I can now truly say 'Where would I be without my music?' and 'with a little help from my friend'."

Barrie L.

Member since 2005

You’re not too old to start singing again—try a rehearsal for free

Send us a quick message, and we'll be in touch with how to join our next Open House (every Thursday evening in October at 7:45pm)

"Do yourself a favour come along and enjoy one of the best experiences you will have in your life." - John M.