The Whyte Effect

This consort choir comprises ex-Cambridge choral scholars, experienced amateur and professional singers, as well as occasional younger singers, who wish to sing at a high standard. The group has no formal director and works collaboratively to choose repertoire and perform. 

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It takes its name from the English 16th century composer Robert Whyte who worked in both Cambridge and London, like many members of the group.

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The core members first sang together in a church chamber choir until 2018 when they formed The Whyte Effect primarily to provide choral music for churches in or near to the London, Southwark and Guildford dioceses who would welcome a traditional sung service, but who may no longer have choral music as part of their regular pattern of worship. It also aims to replicate the effect that the music of Whyte and his contemporaries had on English choral music almost 500 years ago and to enable these great works of choral art, and all the others that have followed, to live and continue to enhance worship.

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The group performs mostly unaccompanied music from the medieval to the present day, including works written by one of the group’s basses. Repertoire for Sunday morning services normally comprises an anthem, communion motet as well as a Kyrie, Gloria, Benedictus and Agnus Dei and specific requests are possible. Other services, such as Evensong and weddings, can be accommodated and, if necessary, organ playing can be provided from within the group.

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Currently, the group sings regular services at St Barnabas, Ranmore (Nr Dorking), St John's Wotton, as well as at Guildford Cathedral.

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The group does not charge a fee for regular Sunday services but does accept any offer to cover its expenses or for a donation to be made to a nominated charity in lieu.