About Us

We sing a wide-ranging repertoire from Renaissance madrigals to present-day commissions. You'll find us tackling Pergolesi's Stabat Mater one term and folk arrangements the next alongside contemporary works by local composers. We compete at prestigious festivals, perform major choral works with musicians, and create intimate a cappella moments. Many of our pieces are performed from memory, allowing us to connect more deeply with both the music and those listening and watching.

But what makes Impromptu special isn't just what we sing. It's how we sing it together. Here, you'll develop you're singing technique and build lasting friendships with women with a shared passion for music and singing.

Our Story

Impromptu was founded in 1992 in Sutton, Surrey by a small group of friends who had originally sung with Scola Singers at Sutton College of Liberal Arts. They wanted to sing challenging repertoire in a supportive, ambitious environment. Over three decades later, we're still guided by the same vision.

Through the years we've achieved significant competition success: crowned Choir of the Year at Bournemouth Music Festival (2016 and 2019), winners of the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition (2010, runners-up 2019), multiple class wins at the Mrs Sunderland Festival in Huddersfield, and Adult Choir finalists in the national Choir of the Year competition with performances broadcast on BBC radio 3. We've twice competed at Llangollen International Eisteddfod and continue to support local festivals, recently winning the Sacred Class at the Sutton Music Festival.

Today, under the musical direction of Natalie Vesty (Nat) and accompanied by Phil Aslangul, we continue to thrive as a choir where technique, commitment and friendship create something truly special. We're a small choir with big ambitions and we're excited about the future.

MD: Natalie Vesty

Natalie was born in Leicestershire and spent her early years performing with youth choirs at a national level. Natalie leads several adult choirs across London, including the local Sutton NHS choir as well as Impromptu. As a singer, Natalie competes regularly in national competitions with her choir, the Chanterelles. She is in demand as a vocal leader and is passionate about the power of music in enriching lives and inspiring communities.

Accompanist: Phil Aslangul

Phil Aslangul has worked with Impromptu for 30 years, having studied piano, cello and conducting at the Guildhall School of Music. He is a grade, diploma and jazz examiner with ABRSM and is a conductor of Sutton Symphony Orchestra, having also been musical director of Streatham Hill Operatic society for a number of years. He has conducted on orchestral tours across much of Europe and is also a freelance cellist and accompanist, having performed in all the major London venues. Phil's main claim to fame is having been given £5 by Paul MacCartney while busking, back in the day.

The Committee

Our committee members work behind the scenes to keep Impromptu running smoothly, organising concerts, managing finances, coordinating social events, and supporting our members.

Our Repertoire

Impromptu sings a wide-ranging repertoire from Renaissance madrigals to present day commissions. Here's a glimpse of what we've performed recently:

Classical & Sacred

Stabat Mater - Pergolesi
Ceremony of Carols - Britten
Lacrimosa - Mozart

Contemporary Commissions

Seasons of Peace - Jack Hurst (Music) & Jo Fox (Lyrics)

Folk & Arranged

Blow the Wind Southerly - arr. Michael Neaum
Seal Lullaby - Eric Whitacre
Bring me Little Water Sylvie
Will the Circle Be Unbroken - arr. J David Moore

Popular & Jazz

Dream a Little Dream Of Me
Viva La Musica

Competition Repertoire

Prayer of the Children - Kurt Bestor
Ave Maria - Guy Forbes
Dayung Sampan - Arr. Darius Lim

Our musical director, Nat, chooses repertoire that challenges us, showcases the range of women's voices, and creates memorable performances. From intimate Renaissance polyphony to powerful contemporary works, there's always something new to learn