MORE than 150 amateur singers from across the country flocked to Worcester on Saturday to learn choral blockbuster Verdi’s Requiem in just one day.
Hosted by Worcester Festival Choral Society and held at The King’s School’s historic College Hall, the exhilarating ‘Come and Sing’ one-day workshop gave singers the chance to try out their vocal chords on the Requiem’s many choruses, such as the dramatic Dies Irae (Day of Wrath).
The day was led by former Belgian National Opera chorus master Piers Maxim, who is now Director of Music at Great Malvern Priory and conductor of the Elgar Chorale.
With pianist Euodia Jordan providing accompaniment, participants were lent a vocal score of the Requiem to help them sing through the popular choral work. The afternoon finished with an informal performance at College Hall, attended by singers’ friends and family free of charge.
Ben Cooper, chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, said: “Verdi’s Requiem is many peoples’ favourite choral work, it sends shivers down the spine. People came along from right across the country for the chance to sing it themselves under a top conductor.
“One participant was even an American who had given up a day of his London holiday specifically to take part. We had some fantastic feedback. Plans are already in place another singing workshop next year.”
The event was Worcester Festival Choral Society’s third, annual come and sing day. The next workshop will be held on Saturday, April 6 2019, offering the chance to ‘Come and Sing’ Beethoven’s magnificent Mass in C.
Tickets will be available from the WFCS website early next year.
