Durham University Voices

An exciting unauditioned choir for anyone who has an interest in choral music!

What is DUVs?

DUVs is an entirely unauditioned programme welcoming all singers with a passion or interest in choral music to be a part of large-scale projects alongside DUCS as well as independent projects, building up skills and experience in singing throughout.

You might be someone who is keen to enter the world of choral music, or someone who has experience but is looking to improve their skills, be it in sightreading, knowledge of repertoire or being part of a choir.

Who is it for?

We encourage anyone with an interest in choral singing to be a part of DUVs. Whether you’re someone who has never sung in a choir, or you’re looking to improve your singing skills and audition for DUCS, this is the place for you.

Sessions focus on lots of different kinds of music with a range of pieces being sung throughout the academic year.

What does DUVs do?

DUVs undertakes a variety of different projects throughout the year. Last year, in its pilot year, the choir had the opportunity to:

  • complete a number of sessions learning the basics of sightreading

  • learn about choral blend and ensemble

  • sing carols and create harmonies together

  • perform alongside DUCS in a rendition of Vivaldi’s “Gloria”

There are lots of exciting things coming for 2025-26 too, and we encourage you to check back later for lots of exciting information about what this entails.

Louis Allen

DUVs is lead and delivered by our Associate Conductor for 2025-26, Louis Allen. He is passionate about making music as accessible for everyone as possible, as he has shown in his work previously working with Grey College Choir, an unauditioned group that is one of the largest and only ensembles in the University.

If you have any questions about the programme or how to sign up, do get in touch with him at choral.society@durham.ac.uk, or use the button below.