A new daytime pop choir is launching in Richmond this Autumn, giving local people the chance to sing, socialise and make new friends, with no audition and no previous singing experience required.

The format is simple. Nobody auditions, nobody reads music and everybody sings. The group welcomes complete beginners alongside more experienced singers, who come together to learn contemporary pop songs, sing, laugh and make new friends in a supportive and welcoming environment.

The Richmond choir meets on Wednesday mornings and is one of six new Collaboration Choirs opening across south west London, alongside East Sheen, Hammersmith, Kew, Putney and Wimbledon. The daytime choirs are designed to offer a fresh opportunity for people to brighten up their week, and work perfectly for those who might not be able to make an evening choir.

All six are led by new Choir Director, Luke Sitaraman, who at just 23 has crammed in more music than most manage in a lifetime. An Oxford graduate with a first class degree in music, Luke has sung as a Lay Clerk at Christ Church Cathedral and directed ensembles including The Oxford Gargoyles, and he's a west Londoner himself.

As well as bringing his incredible music credentials, Luke is all about accessible, joyful music-making, with an occasional sprinkling of silliness. Raised on road-trip playlists that swung between Katy Perry and Rascal Flatts, Luke's own musical experience spans early music, jazz, new music and now, very firmly pop!

Luke says: 'The Collaboration Choir is such a warm, welcoming community and I can't wait to build new choirs and communities of my own across south west London. I was really drawn to working with the choir after hearing about the fundraising for Children in Need. I love that the teaching style welcomes absolutely anyone with a desire to sing. I find the humour in everything I do, so expect plenty of laughing alongside the singing.'

The Richmond choir is part of The Collaboration Choir's growing network of 24 community choirs, founded by Carrie Rawlings, and built around singing, socialising and giving people a chance to do something that makes them smile.

Carrie says: 'Singing together lifts your mood, builds your confidence and reminds you that community is all around you. Do come along and be part of it!'

BOOK YOUR FREE TASTER: Wednesdays, 10:30am to 12:00pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Richmond

thecollaborationchoir.com/find-local-choir/richmond-choir/