Republic Sings

A new community choir is coming to Republic in East London.

Starting this autumn, Republic Sings will bring people from across the campus and wider East London community together every Wednesday. Expect an hour of singing, movement and connection.

Led by choir leader Naveen “Nav” Arles BCA FRSA, Republic Sings is open to everyone. That includes students, staff, onsite teams and our neighbours in the local community.

You don’t need any previous singing experience. There are no auditions either. Just turn up, join in and see where the hour takes you.

Whether you’re already a confident singer or haven’t sung since school, you’re welcome. You might simply fancy doing something different in the middle of your week.

Meet Nav

Nav Arles has spent more than 40 years working in music, with over 30 years of experience creating singing groups for people of all ages and abilities.

As the founder of MDBrunch, Nav has led choirs in all kinds of settings, from schools and youth projects to wellbeing groups, workplaces and prisons. His choirs have toured with Hugh Jackman, Take That and Lulu, and performed alongside Michael Bublé, George Ezra and Alexandra Burke. They’ve also sung for King Charles III and at Michelle Obama’s UK book launch.

Alongside his work as a vocal leader, Nav is passionate about making music accessible and using it to bring people together. His work with young people has included partnerships with the BBC Singers, Tenebrae, London Youth Choir and Spitalfields Music.

He’s also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a recipient of the British Citizen’s Award, recognising his contribution to social justice and community work.

Republic Sings is about more than singing. It’s an hour to step away from your day, meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with, move, make some noise and have a bit of fun.