Choral Foundation

The St George’s Choral Foundation is a Registered Charity (1154537) set up in autumn 2013 to provide choral scholarships in the choir of Beckenham Parish Church, to benefit the choral scholars and the choir, congregation and community of St George’s

Choral Scholarships at St George’s

The Choir at St George’s has been supported since 2016 by up to four Choral Scholars, who receive an annual stipend and gain the opportunity to develop their choral and solo singing in a supportive environment. Choral Scholars attend all rehearsals and services and become fully involved in the life and activities of the choir. 

Remuneration and other benefits

  • An annual stipend of £2000 for those in higher education, £1500 for those in secondary, paid in monthly instalments.
  • Opportunities to earn additional income at weddings, funerals and other events
  • Additional performance opportunities in the twice-weekly lunchtime concert series
  • Significant networking potential with connections in London and other freelance work

For full details of the scholarships and how to apply, please see our advertisement for the academic year 2026-2027 here.

The Choral Foundation has six trustees:

  • Rev Canon Jeremy Blunden (Chairman) is  Rector of St George’s Parish Church Beckenham.
  • Paul Bonter (Treasurer) is a member of the St George’s choir and has worked for two other charities.
  • Joan Conway is a Reader at St George’s Parish Church, Beckenham.
  • Christopher Perkins
  • David Bullen  – Head of Music at Langley Park School for Boys
  • Adrian Adams – Organist Emeritus, St John the Evangelist, Upper Norwood

Friends of Cathedral Music

The Choral Foundation greatly appreciates the generosity of over 60 Patrons and individual donors, together with the support of the Friends of Cathedral Music who in 2016 provided a grant of £25,000 to fund Choral Scholars in addition to the initial grant of £10,000 made when the St George’s Choral Foundation was set up.