Interested to join?

Bella Acapella is a vibrant community of singers of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. We work hard and we have a great time doing it. Why not come by and see for yourself how we do this? Previous experience is not essential to become a member of Bella Acapella, although it's often helpful. 

As a member of Bella Acapella, you will learn more about your voice and how it works and develop your performing skills. We provide opportunities for learning through large and small group learning and individual feedback. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in workshops, perform at events in the Algarve and compete with the chorus in international competitions. Bella Acapella welcomes new members from all genders, nationalities and phases of life. We rehearse in Olhão every Wednesday evening in the main hall of the
República 14 – Associação Cultural
Avenida da República nº 14
8700-310 Olhão,
Portugal.

EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH WE HAVE AN OPEN REHEARSAL.
Please let us know beforehand if you have plans to visit us so we can prepare he music and documentation for you. We start at 19.30 h. Our rehearsal will continue until 21.45 but usually the interested members stay until around 21.00 h.

Our next open rehearsals are
March 11th 2026
April 1st 2026
May 6th 2026
June 3rd 2026

Click this link to view the next open rehearsals in the Calendar

We are looking for members that have the ability to sing in tune and in tempo. Since we speak English during our rehearsals, we also ask all members to have a fair knowledge of speaking and understanding English.

Many people have a complex, somewhat ashamed relationship with their voice because we are told in choir, in school, like, “Oh, don’t sing.” or, “You’re not getting it right´, but singing is a natural way for our bodies to communicate. Some younger members just want to train their singing voice, others work on their English and meet new international friends. The joy of singing in front of a live audience and conveying all the strength that singing gives us, is contagious.
 

Voice Test

The first part of the open rehearsal you can just listen and feel the atmosphere. It is important that you like our repertoire and the way we work and interact. Of course you can join our warming up and see how we work. And we will sing the song Let the Whole World Singing with everybody.

After the break, you are asked to participate in an (individual) voice test. The MD and section leaders will help you sing a simple melody and together we will find out your voice type and the best section to start singing. We realize that some of the interested members have little experience, but we will help you and together we will find the best section for you.

Music

Sheet music is provided as each new song is learned. Members are not required to read music, as learning tracks (mp3) are provided for all new songs and for the existing repertoire. They are recorded in stereo, with your voice part predominant on one channel and the other three parts heard softly on the other channel. Members are encouraged to understand the basics of sheet music, and usually find that their music reading skills develop over time.

Becoming a member 

Bella Acapella is a living chorus and constant change is part of everything we do. Therefore we always welcome new members! At the same time we need to make sure that there is a good match and both the new member and the chorus feel that they have grown.

Therefore we have implemented an audition process. We will explain everything about this audition when you are with us. All new members get extra guidance to help them through the audition process and the chance of lifetime to enjoy all benefits of healthy singing!

All members pay a membership fee of €180 per year (annually or bi-anually), an aspirant member starts paying in the next full month after joining the chorus. New members also pay, a one time starting fee of €35. All fees help towards renting our rehearsal’s place, purchasing sheet music, teachtracks and other chorus overhead such as insurance, professional coachings and expenses for outfits for sing outs and concerts.

Interested or questions?
Contact the Welcoming Committee Alexandra Bitoun: 962 181 405, or the Musical Director Rob Does: 912 057 305,