“The most mellifluous vocal group this side of heaven.” - The Times
Celebrating 10 years and 100 commissions
To mark ORA Singers’ 10th Anniversary in 2026, we are looking for a cohort of Patrons to help us realise an exciting programme of concerts and commissions, culminating in the premiere of our 100th Commission - a reflection of Thomas Tallis’ In manus tuas by one of the world’s most celebrated composers, Brett Dean. ‘Centurion’ signifies ORA’s 100 commissions in 10 years, making us the world’s leading commissioner of choral music.
Achievements to date Over 10 Million streams worldwide Commissions in 10 years Commissions recorded
Graduate Composers
Critically-acclaimed Albums Countries toured Free mentoring to
state school students
What’s to come in 2026 Album Launch, Fitzrovia Chapel - 17th February 2026 Victoria Requiem at St Columba’s Church, Knightsbridge 31st March 2026 - to feature the world premiere of new works by Dobrinka Tabakova and Eoghan Desmond Spirit of Place at St Martin-in-the-Fields - 15th May 2026 to feature James Burton's The Lost Words and the world premiere of a major new work by Gabriel Jackson 10 th Anniversary Concert & Reception at Wigmore Hall 24th October 2026 - to feature the world premiere of ORA's 100 th commission, by Brett Dean Classic Christmas at St Clement Danes Church - 11th Dec 2026
“ORA Singers’ achievement in commissioning and performing 100 new compositions from an impressively wide range of composers must be unprecedented in the entire history of music. It has been an extraordinarily imaginative and generous gift to the composers, and indeed to choirs and audiences everywhere. The repertoire of new choral music has been hugely enriched, and we are all in ORA’s debt.” - Sir John Rutter
We are asking for a one-off donation of £2,500 to join the Centurion Circle. As a charity (no. 1160228 ), we benefit from Gift Aid and you may be eligible to claim tax relief. Our esteemed ORA President, Sir Stephen Fry leads the way as our first Centurion and we would be delighted if you would join him in supporting ORA’s 10th anniversary celebrations and leading us into our second decade.
Members will receive: Priority booking for our 2026 concerts Invitations to closed rehearsals th
A copy of our 11 album - Songs of Angels - when released Acknowledgment in concert programmes and online Invites to several special members events during the year. To commission, perform and record is at the heart of what we do, working with some of the finest musicians in the world to reinvigorate choral music for a new generation. We hope you will support us in this cultural endeavour.
Founded in 2016 by Suzi Digby OBE, ORA Singers’ mission is to champion contemporary composers and create a canon of new choral music; to produce definitive recordings of these works; and to cultivate the next generation of composers through innovative and engaging education projects.
Composers’ Pathway Comprised of three schemes - Young Composers, Graduate Composers, and 100 Commissions - the Composers’ Pathway is the foundation behind ORA’s crucial support for composers, from the spark of their interest to the professional world. In 2026, our Young Composers Scheme will mentor another 50 students (11-18 years) from non-fee-paying schools across the country. Since 2019 , this scheme has reached more than 250 students, helping them to grow in confidence and ability as composers. “The talent of each of the young people was humbling and I was moved by the creative impact of the many layered, multi cultural influences that will become our future heritage.” 2025 Patron & Audience Member The Graduate Composers' Showcase bridges the gap between our Young Composers and professional commissioning. This sees us platform five early-career composers who are looking to establish themselves in the industry following graduation. Consulting with established composers, we were told that the best thing for a composer at the start of their career is to be commissioned, to have their work performed and to have their work recorded. With this scheme we offer all three. “This experience has definitely boosted my confidence. Having my first choral work commissioned and performed by such esteemed professionals has been incredibly inspiring!” Jorge Ramos, 2024 Graduate Composer
First Centurion: Sir Stephen Fry Artistic Director:
Trustees:
Suzi Digby OBE
Richard Allain Prof. Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE DL
Chair:
Dr Michelle Castelletti
Lizzie Ridding
Annamaria Koerling
Vice-President:
Garreth Spillane
Dame Patricia Hewitt
Mark Tatlow
Won for 'Sanctissima', 2024
Won for 'Many are the wonders', 2018
Charity No. 1160228 info@orasingers.com