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‘Come & Sing’ Bernstein in our Worcester choral workshop
15th February, 2025
An annual
workshop offering the chance to learn two choral classics in a day, led by one
of the country’s leading choirmasters, is inviting keen amateur singers to take
part.
Hosted by the region’s leading
large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society, the one-day ‘Come
& Sing’ workshop will be held in Worcester on Saturday 12 April. In it,
singers can learn two of the 20th century’s most inspirational
choral works: Leonard Bernstein’s exhilarating Hebrew masterpiece, Chichester
Psalms, plus Ralph Vaughan Williams’s romantic Serenade to Music.
Around 150 singers from across the UK are expected
to attend the event, which takes place at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pump
Street, off Worcester High Street.
The day is led by Worcester Cathedral’s
inspirational Director of Music, Samuel Hudson. Acclaimed organist and
recitalist Nicholas Freestone, Worcester Cathedral’s Assistant Director of
Music, will provide piano accompaniment. As well as several singing sessions, participants will
enjoy expert insights about the work, vocal tips and the chance to socialise
with other singers. The afternoon ends with an informal concert with soloists,
which singers’ friends can attend free of charge.
Susan
White, Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, said: “The
music for this year’s Come & Sing is particularly exciting! All voice parts
are welcome. You don’t need choral experience or a great voice to take part, but
some ability to read music will be useful to get the most from the day.”
Event host Worcester Festival Choral Society,
established in 1861, was closely associated with Sir Edward Elgar in its early
years and today is one of England's most respected choirs of its kind. In
addition to its Come & Sings, the Society holds three major concerts at
Worcester Cathedral each year.
Come & Sing tickets are £22 (adults) and £10 (students), including loan of both vocal scores for the day and free teas/coffees. A hot or packed lunch can be pre-ordered on booking. There will also be homemade cakes and a raffle. Registration opens from 9.30am, singing starts at 10.15am, and the day concludes at 4.45pm. Book at www.wfcs.online or call 0333 666 3366.
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