About our Choir 

Since 1950, the Elizabethan Madrigal Singers have been at the heart of choral music at Aberystwyth University, blending rich history with a thriving, inclusive musical community. Founded on a passion for early music, the choir has grown into a welcoming and dynamic ensemble that celebrates musicality, camaraderie, and creativity. 

Today, we are fondly known as the MADs or AberMads. We are a mixed-ability, auditioned choir where enthusiasm matters just as much as experience. Whether you’ve sung in choirs for years or are exploring group singing for the first time, we encourage all who love music to audition. There’s no prior singing experience required - just a willingness to engage, learn, and enjoy making music together.  To support our singers, we provide learning resources, including practice tracks to help you confidently learn our repertoire. 

The choir embraces a diverse range of music - from tudor music and madrigals to contemporary choral works. We perform both a cappella and accompanied pieces of different musical styles. Our concerts are just one part of our musical calendar. Alongside them, we host Come and Sing events, sing Choral Evensong, and support fellow societies at RAG showcase fundraisers. You'll also find us providing music at special functions and seasonal craft fairs, including Christmas caroling, bringing festive cheer to the University and community. Most recently, in June, we embarked on a choir tour across North Wales, performing in Conwy, Llandudno, Portmeirion, and even at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). 

We are incredibly proud of our members and the supportive, friendly choir community we have built together. Our hard work and dedication were recognised when we were awarded Society of the Month (February 2025) and Most Improved Society of the Year 2025! Our President and Conductor, Anna, was also awarded Societies Person of the Year! These achievements reflect the passion, enthusiasm, and hard work of everyone involved. This year, we aim to build on these successes - continuing to grow, welcome new members, and bring even more exciting performances to our audiences. 

Rehearsals & Commitment 

We rehearse twice a week, allowing members to balance choir with their studies and other commitments. While regular attendance is encouraged to ensure confidence when performing, we understand university life can be busy and aim to support singers in keeping up with our repertoire. Additional sectional rehearsals or extra practice sessions may be arranged before performances. 

Audition Process 

Auditions for the choir take place twice a year - during the Freshers period in September and the Refreshers period in February. If you’d like to join us as a singing member, you’ll need to book an audition slot. The audition is relaxed and designed to find the best fit for your voice. You’ll perform a song of your choice from any genre - either a cappella or with a digital backing track. We’ll also determine your vocal range to place you in the most suitable vocal part, followed by a short chat about your musical experience and interests. 

Social Membership 

Our community extends beyond the choir stalls. We offer social memberships for those who want to be part of our musical family without the commitment of performing and regular rehearsals. Social members enjoy perks like free entry to concerts, access to relaxed rehearsals, and invitations to our varied social events calendar. It’s the perfect way to stay involved, support the choir, and share in the joy of music. 

Get In Touch 

If you’d like to join the choir, attend an event, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach us via email (abermads@aber.ac.uk), Instagram (@abermads) or Facebook (Elizabethan Madrigal Singers).  

We also welcome opportunities to perform at events, functions, and celebrations. If you're interested in having us sing at your event, please get in touch. 

Freshers Week Events 2025 

Check back later for more info!

Core Documents

Constitution

Code of Conduct                                                                         

Risk Assessment for Weekly Rehearsals

Equipment List