Amateur singers are invited to join a special ‘Come & Sing’ workshop in Worcester to learn one of the biggest of all choral blockbusters in a day.

Hosted by Worcester Festival Choral Society, the event on Saturday 22 April will enable participants to sing the exciting choruses from Giuseppe Verdi’s epic Requiem. Considered to be one of the all-time greats of the choral repertoire, the 1839 work includes many spine-tingling moments, including the famous Dies Irae (‘Day of Wrath’).

More than 100 singers from across the UK are expected to take part in the annual workshop, which takes place at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pump Street, just off Worcester High Street. As well as singing sessions, the day will include expert insights about the work, vocal tips, an informal run-through performance, and the chance to socialise with other musically minded people.

The Requiem workshop will be led by Worcester Cathedral’s inspirational director of music, Samuel Hudson, with piano accompaniment from the Cathedral’s talented organ scholar, Gus Cox. Registration opens from 9:30am, and the first singing session starts at 10:15am. The day rounds off with an informal afternoon performance which singers’ friends can attend free of charge, before concluding at 4.45pm.

Ben Cooper, Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, confirmed: “Our Come & Sing workshop offers a brilliant day out for amateur singers. You don’t need choral experience or a great voice to take part, but some ability to read music is useful to get the most from the day.”

Event host Worcester Festival Choral Society, which comprises 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 160th concert season. As well as its popular Come & Sing workshop, the Society holds three major concerts at Worcester Cathedral each year.

Come & Sing Verdi’s Requiem workshop tickets are £20 (adults) and £10 (full time students), and include vocal score hire for the day and free tea/coffee. For lunch, singers have the option of pre-ordering a delicious hot platter or packed lunch when they book. There are also tempting homemade cakes and a raffle. To book visit wfcs.online.