Ilkley Choral Society is pleased to announce that they will be running a free singing workshop on Saturday 7 May and concert on Saturday 21 May.
The workshop is in the church hall, St John’s Church, Ben Rhydding between 2 and 4pm. The session is free but must be booked in advance by either booking online at https://ilkleychoralconcerts.eventbrite.co.uk/ or ring the society’s secretary on 07758 742831.
A spokesperson for the society said: “The Ilkley area is blessed in having several vocal groups that offer people who like to sing a variety of genres of vocal music. This workshop is aimed at offering people who like singing, but not necessarily in a formal situation, an opportunity to sing for fun. Singing has been proved to be highly beneficial for physical and mental wellbeing, and this workshop explores these potentials.
“Participants do not need to read music – in fact the workshop will not use any! We invite people just to come and enjoy a relaxing two hours of singing for enjoyment. You need to be over 18 years of age. The Society’s Musical Director, Jennifer Sterling will lead the session. Jennifer is a highly experienced choral workshop director, and recently worked for Opera North in their community and education department. She is director of both Ilkley and Otley Choral Societies and Assistant Director of Music at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field, Trafalgar Square, London”.
On 21 May, the concert pays homage to the Platinum Jubilee and will take place at St Margaret’s Church in Ilkley from 7pm.
The first half will comprise of Parry’s “I was glad…” which was sung at the Coronation 70 years ago and Dvorak’s “Te Deum”. A Te Deum is traditionally sung at a time of national rejoicing. In this first half the choirs will be accompanied on the organ by St. Margaret’s Director of Music, Christopher Rathbone.
The second half is devoted to Brahm’s “German Requiem”, and the choirs will be accompanied by the Yorkshire Chamber Ensemble, leader Sally Robinson, using a reduced orchestral version. This Requiem does not follow the usual pattern of requiems, and is rather a work for the living rather than the dead. It is an appropriate work to perform following shortly after the memorial service in London for the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Tickets for the concert are available online at https://ilkleychoralconcerts.eventbrite.co.uk/ and also from The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley, 01943 609335, Brown’s Art Gallery, Otley, 01943 464656, and from choir members. Tickets £15, concessions for students and u18-£5. The price includes a programme.
The choir will be joined by soloists Charlotte Trepess (Sop) and Oskar McCarthy (Baritone).
The concert will be conducted by our brilliant Musical Director, Jennifer Sterling.
The Society thank Ilkley Town Council and LCF Law in Ilkley for their generous grants and donations towards the staging of this concert.