About The Ashdown Singers

The Ashdown Singers, a chamber choir of some twenty voices, gave their first performances in 1976.

The choir sings a broad repertoire, ranging from music by Byrd and Tallis right through to modern composers such as Eleanor Daley and James MacMillan. Since the arrival of MD Sam Barton in 2020, the choir has been actively promoting music by women composers, as much of this repertoire has historically been unduly overlooked. A recent concert featuring exclusively music written by women proved a resounding success.

In November 2025, the Ashdown Singers are looking forward to paying a return visit to the Choeur de Tourrettes-sur-Loup in the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, with whom they performed in two shared concerts, in Uckfield and Ripe, in 2023.

Charitable work is an essential part of the choir’s ethos. Over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised for local and national charities and causes. Singers are drawn from across East Sussex and rehearse every Wednesday evening in Uckfield, East Sussex.

If you are interested in hiring the Ashdown Singers for your event, please see the “Contact Us” page.

If you are interested in joining us, please see the "Contact Us" page.

The Guiding Principles of Ashdown Singers

The principal purpose of the Ashdown Singers is to promote the enjoyment of its members in the rehearsal and performance of high quality choral music, drawn in the main from the classical tradition ranging from Renaissance to contemporary compositions.
The members believe that high quality music and performance can be achieved through a balance of hard work, commitment and fun.
A cappella singing forms an important part of the choir's performances, but some pieces are accompanied by piano, organ or a chamber orchestra.
The choir usually draws its soloists from within the membership.
Membership of the choir is gained through vocal assessment.
Wherever possible, the choir's performances are linked to the raising of charitable funds for a variety of good causes.

Learn more about the choir and our concerts jointly with a French choir in November 2023 - listen to this interview on Ashdown Radio:

For an account of the visit and concerts, see the Recent Events page.

Meet The Choir

Sam Barton, Musical Director of the Ashdown Singers (2020 onwards)

Sam Barton is a conductor, pianist, tenor, and double bassist based in Brighton.

Sam began his professional career in Canada, studying conducting at the University of Toronto (2010-12). After his degree he developed a great reputation as a musician. He was the founding Music Director of Scarborough Community Players (2013–15) and Music Director of the Scarborough Choralaires (2012–15). He was also a regular guest conductor for That Choir, the St James’s Cathedral Choir and the All Saints Kingsway Choir. His other engagements have included extensive work with the Estonian community in Toronto, where he was guest conductor of the Toronto Estonia Choir. He was also Assistant Music Director of the University of Toronto’s Master Chorale, and Men’s Chorus.

Since moving back to the UK, he has been Music Director of Wimbledon Light Opera Society’s autumn 2015 production; has conducted i Maestri Orchestra in London; and was music director of the 2016 Summer Music on the Shannon festival in Limerick, Ireland. From 2017-2020 Sam worked as the Assistant MD for Brighton Festival Youth Choir. In 2020 Sam was appointed as the Musical Director of Ashdown Singers. Sam is also the organist at the First Church of Christ, Scientist (Brighton), accompanist for the Clockhouse Singers in East Sussex, Musical Director of West Norwood Community Choir in London, and the Associate Director of Worthing Choral Society.

Terence Steele, Honorary Life President of the Ashdown singers.

Having formed the Ashdown Singers in 1976 and been Musical Director from then up until his retirement in 2016, Terry’s role is now more ‘behind the scenes’. He began his career in Shropshire as organist and master of the choristers at Oswestry Parish Church, and also Conductor of Oswestry Choral Society. A graduate of Bristol and Nottingham Universities, Terry also trained at the Royal School of Church Music. As an organist he has played in concerts and recitals across Britain and Europe. Terry was Head of Music at Priory School, Lewes, and has been heavily involved with the East Sussex County Music Service, playing the organ for the East Sussex Schools Festival at the Royal Albert Hall, and as conductor of the East Sussex Community Choir.

The Ashdown Singers - the early days.