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More than 160 amateur singers from around the UK convened in Worcester on Saturday 22nd April, for Worcester Festival Choral Society’s biggest ever annual ‘Come & Sing’ one-day workshop. 

The sell-out, fund-raising event gave singers of all kinds the chance to learn a major choral blockbuster in just one day: Giuseppe Verdi’s epic Requiem. Considered to be one of the all-time greats of the classical choral repertoire, the 1839 work includes many spine-tingling moments, including the famous Dies Irae (‘Day of Wrath’).

As well as singing sessions, the event, which took place at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in the historic heart of Worcester, included expert musical insights, vocal tips, and an informal concert performance which singers’ guests could attend free of charge. The Society also laid on tasty hot meals, sandwiches and a range of home-made cakes during the day to tempt singers’ tastebuds.

Leading the Requiem workshop was Worcester Cathedral’s inspirational director of music, Samuel Hudson, with piano accompaniment from the Cathedral’s talented organ scholar, Gus Cox. 

Sue White, Social Secretary and incoming Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, confirmed: “This was probably our best-attended Come & Sing workshop to date, and the feedback was excellent. Singers really enjoyed themselves. The sound they made during the informal concert was simply superb!” 

Event host Worcester Festival Choral Society, which comprises around 150, auditioned amateur singers, is one of England's most respected choirs of its kind. Closely associated with Sir Edward Elgar in its early years, the Society recently celebrated its 161st concert season. As well as its popular Come & Sing workshop, the Society holds three major concerts at Worcester Cathedral each year.

The Society’s next planned Come & Sing workshop is set to take place in spring 2024. Details will be announced on its website www.wfcs.online in the coming months.