Notorious
Charity 1085098
Overview
Summary
Notorious appears to be a long-established Birmingham choir that uses participation, performance and sociability as a combined model for musical education. Its role seems broader than staging concerts: it creates an accessible route into ensemble singing for adults with varied experience, while bringing mixed-genre choral programmes into venues beyond the conventional concert circuit. The available evidence suggests a locally rooted organisation balancing artistic ambition, public cultural participation and member community.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Brandwood and Kings Heath
Confidence: high
The organisation's official website states that it rehearses regularly in Kings Heath, making this its clearest continuing delivery base.
- notorious official website — Home
States that the choir regularly rehearses in the heart of Kings Heath, with weekly evening rehearsals. - notorious official website — About Us
States that rehearsals take place one evening each week in Kings Heath.
City Centre
Confidence: medium
The official events page records public pop-up performances at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on 21 March 2026. This is direct evidence of delivery in the City Centre, but it evidences a programmed event rather than a permanent or regular site.
- notorious official website — Events
Lists 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger' pop-up performances at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on 21 March 2026.
Remaining uncertainties
- The public evidence does not name the specific Kings Heath rehearsal venue, so it is not possible to identify a physical site beyond the ward-level location.
- The charity's registered address is in Northfield, but there is no evidence that it is a service-delivery or rehearsal site; the Charity Commission records no land or property for the charity.
- The official homepage still described the 4 July 2026 Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens concert as its 'Next Gig' after that date had passed, so the current events calendar appears not to have been fully updated as of 4 August 2026.
- Evidence supports a citywide operational identity through concerts at varied Birmingham venues and the organisation's stated practice of performing throughout the city, but it does not establish regular delivery in every Birmingham ward.
- No material formal partnership was evidenced. Named soloists, musicians and host venues appear to support individual performances, but the available evidence does not show that they create an ongoing additional operational footprint.
Additional evidence needed
- A current 2026–27 concert programme or updated events calendar identifying forthcoming Birmingham venues and dates.
- A recent annual report, impact report or trustee report setting out the number and distribution of concerts, rehearsals and other activities across Birmingham.
- Confirmation from the organisation of whether its Kings Heath rehearsal venue is a regular hired venue and whether any other regular delivery locations are used.
Areas of work
- Arts/culture/heritage/science
- Education/training
Who they help
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Services
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Participation is the organisation's educational mechanism
Notorious appears to deliver its charitable educational purpose primarily through active membership in a choir and public performance, rather than through formal courses or one-off outreach.
Why it matters
This frames the choir as a sustained learning community: its social and performance structures may be as important to its impact as its concerts.
Show evidence
“Its objects include promoting and maintaining musical education through participation in musical events and public concerts.”
Source:Charity Commission“The choir rehearses one evening each week in Kings Heath.”
Source:Organisation
Accessibility sits alongside a deliberately broad artistic identity
The organisation appears to reduce barriers to joining while avoiding a narrow musical niche, using programmes that cross classical, pop, jazz, folk and newer composition.
Why it matters
This may help Notorious connect people with different musical backgrounds and audiences who may not otherwise see choral music as relevant to them.
Show evidence
“Music is described as accessible for all regardless of background or musical experience.”
Source:Organisation“Concert programmes include classical, pop, jazz, folk melodies and works by new composers.”
Source:Organisation
Place-making may be part of its cultural strategy
By rehearsing in Kings Heath and performing in unconventional settings across Birmingham, Notorious appears to connect choral activity to local places rather than treating venues as neutral containers.
Why it matters
This suggests potential relationships with neighbourhood venues, heritage sites and local audiences that may extend the choir's civic value beyond its membership.
Show evidence
“The choir regularly rehearses in the heart of Kings Heath.”
Source:Organisation“It brings music to unconventional settings throughout Birmingham.”
Source:Organisation“A listed concert was planned at Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens.”
Source:Organisation
- Whether its members and audiences reflect the intended 19–35 age focus in the charity objects.
- How it reaches people with limited prior access to music-making, including costs, recruitment routes and support offered.
- Whether unconventional venues involve ongoing partnerships or are occasional programming choices.
Remaining uncertainties
- Membership, audience and participant data, including age, location, prior musical experience and retention.
- Information on ticket affordability, membership fees, bursaries and outreach activity.
- Programme history and evidence of venue, community or cultural-sector partnerships.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
To promote, improve, develop and maintain the musical education of people in Birmingham, in particular but not exclusively those aged between 19 and 35, by participation in musical events and the presentation of public concerts.
Charity objects
TO PROMOTE, IMPROVE, DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE MUSICAL EDUCATION OF PEOPLE IN BIRMINGHAM, IN PARTICULAR BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY THOSE AGED BETWEEN 19 AND 35, BY PARTICIPATION IN MUSICAL EVENTS AND THE PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC CONCERTS