Who are the White Rosettes?
The White Rosettes are a Leeds-based female barbershop chorus and a member of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (LABBS). In October 2022 they won the LABBS National Ladies Chorus Championship for an unprecedented 17th time!
Under the direction of Sally McLean, The White Rosettes aim to push the boundaries of technical excellence, musicality and performance, and achieve this by entering prestigious national and international competitions and performing both in the UK and mainland Europe. The chorus sings a range of styles, from strict barbershop, to jazz, gospel and show classics.
Formed in 1977 under the direction of Clive Landey, the chorus still rehearses weekly and welcomes visitors and prospective new members. The 62-strong chorus is supported by a hard-working and inspirational Music and Presentation Team and an organisational Committee. The chorus’ success is particularly remarkable as the majority of the singers have no musical training.
Achievements include:
- LABBS Chorus Champions: 2022, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1996, 1993, 1990, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1983
- European Chorus Champions: 2017, 2013, 2009
- National Choir of the Year Finalists 2016
- Llangollen International Eisteddfod Choir of the World Finalists: 2012, 2010, 2008
- Winners of Coleraine International Choral Festival 2007
- Radio 3 Choir of the Year Category Finalists 2006
- Radio 3 Choir of the Year Finalists 2005
- Sainsbury’s Single Voice Choir of the Year 2000
Sally McLean: Musical Director
Sally McLean became Musical Director of the White Rosettes in January 1998. Since taking over the role, she has led the chorus to new heights, winning 17 national championships, and the hugely important European championship in 2009, 2013 and 2017. With Sally at the helm, the chorus has also had the honour of competing three times for the title of Llangollen Eisteddfod Choir of the World.
It is Sally’s incredible musical ability, combined with her determination, ambition, leadership and motivational skills, that drives the chorus to ever greater achievements.
Sally is a committed educator both within and outside of the chorus. Sally acts as vocal coach to a significant number of female and male choruses and quartets across the country. Sally is an inspiration to other directors; her masterclasses with The White Rosettes have proved highly successful and she presented to the Association of British Choral Directors at their Annual Conference in August 2012. Sally was part of an expert jury in the BBC’s Gareth Malone ‘The Naked Choir’ programme, looking for the country’s best a cappella group, which aired on BBC2 in autumn 2015.
Joining the White Rosettes as a singer in 1982, Sally has also won four National Quartet Championships and one European Quartet Championship:
- 1987 – 42nd Street
- 1992 – Downtown Express
- 2003 – The Jazz Firm
- 2017 – SoundHouse (National & European)
Sally says that every win is unexpected and every Championship a thrill but that none of it would be possible without her soul-mates David, Sadie and Molly.
See us in action!
