Why We Sing

Songs of joy, hope, peace and love.

The International Staff Songsters is at the forefront of Salvation Army vocal music making in the UK and around the world. The group reaches thousands of people every year through festivals, worship services, choral workshops, performances in concert venues and radio broadcasts, as well as via CDs and downloads.

Wherever they go, through music the Songsters seek to introduce people to Jesus Christ and his power to change lives. Each member of the group loves to express their personal Christian faith through singing and is an active member of their local Salvation Army church.

The Songsters are conducted by Dorothy Nancekieviell, head teacher at independent Methodist School, Farringtons, and a former Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School. Dorothy, who has been leader since 2003, incorporates a wide range of choral styles and includes music by composers from The Salvation Army and artists such as Bob Chilcott, Mark Hayes, John Rutter, and Eric Whitacre.

Watch this YouTube playlist of the ISS joining in with local choirs

2020 is a special year for the International Staff Songsters who celebrate their 40th birthday in March. The group was founded in 1980 to share the love of God far and wide and to inspire people with the ‘heart songs’ of The Salvation Army. Exactly 40 years to the day, the ISS will return to the venue of their first public performance - the Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

The ISS come together to rehearse at The Salvation Army’s headquarters in Central London. Once a month, from September to June the group presents a varied weekend programme and leads Christian worship at a Salvation Army centre in the UK. This ISS has been pleased to undertake a number of international tours and is privileged in April to visit the United States of America and Canada to share the Easter story.

Profits from recordings (sold via www.sps-shop.com) and performances support the work of The Salvation Army. 

For enquiries about the International Staff Songsters email: info@salvationarmy.org.uk.