From The Great British Home Chorus and The Sofa Singers to The Virtual Scratch Orchestra and The Self-Isolation Choir, this is the sound of community music groups now.

The first virtual choir took place a decade ago in 2010, led by American composer Eric Whitacre. 243 videos featured 185 singers from 12 countries singing his popular piece Lux Arumque. You can watch his TED talk about it here.

This format has come into its own during the coronavirus pandemic, with heaps of virtual choirs and orchestras springing up all over the internet. To take part, all you need is a phone/computer and a pair of headphones. Here are a few virtual UK-based ensembles you can join to help you feel part of the musical community, keep your spirits high and stay creative while isolating at home. Sing/play as if no-one is listening because they won’t be! Read the full article by Hannah Fiddy on the Alternative Classical website.