Worcester Festival Choral Society

Description

One of England's most accomplished, independent classical choirs, Worcester Festival Choral Society has brought ‘the great choral works’ to Worcestershire since 1861. With a membership of around 140 auditioned singers trained by Worcester Cathedral’s Director of Music Samuel Hudson, the Society stages three major concerts each year in Worcester Cathedral, supported by professional orchestras and internationally renowned soloists. A popular annual ‘Come & Sing’ choral workshop each spring also gives non-members the chance to learn a choral masterpiece in a day. In addition, many members are selected to perform in the world-famous Three Choirs Festival chorus each summer. In the late 1890s the Society had close connections with Sir Edward Elgar and his family. Elgar conducted many of Worcester Festival Choral Society's concerts, led its orchestral band for a time, and premiered two of his choral works with the Society. Today Worcester Festival Choral Society concerts range from major masterpieces such as Mozart's Requiem, Handel’s Messiah and Bach's St John Passion, to exciting new works from contemporary composers. Enquiries from prospective new choir members (subject to vacancies), Patrons and corporate sponsors are always welcome. For information or concert tickets visit https://www.wfcs.online

CONCERTS THIS SEASON:

(Tickets from www.wfcs.online or TicketSource 0333 666 3366)

Sat 25 November 2023: BRAHMS - Ein Deutsches Requiem (Worcester Cathedral, 7.30pm)

This autumn, the 140 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society are proud to bring one of the most inspirational of all choral masterworks to the majestic surroundings of Worcester Cathedral: Brahms's Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem). The composer’s largest single work, written to comfort those who mourn, features much-loved melodies from the powerful to the uplifting, in a deeply moving masterpiece that speaks to the heart. First, though, the orchestra presents Wagner's tender Siegfried Idyll. This beautiful symphonic poem – which has become arguably the composer’s best-loved orchestral work – was a Christmas Day gift from Wagner to his wife. Performed with internationally acclaimed soprano Rebecca Hardwick and baritone Julien Van Mellaerts, and accompanied by the superb Meridian Sinfonia orchestra, this magnificent concert will be conducted by Worcester Cathedral's outstanding director of music, Samuel Hudson. Join us to enjoy this wonderful music in grand choral and orchestral style! Tickets from both our Online Box Office www.wfcs.online and the TicketSource Hotline: 0333 666 3366.


Sat 9 December 2023: HANDEL - Messiah (Worcester Cathedral, 7.30pm)

Hallelujah! Handel’s glorious and much-loved oratorio, Messiah, returns to the magnificent, specially candlelit surroundings of Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 9 December 2023. Written more than 280 years ago, Messiah remains one of the world’s most popular choral works. When King George II attended its premiere in 1742, he is said to have been so moved by the mighty Hallelujah chorus that he rose to his feet – a tradition that audiences continue today. The oratorio is also packed with other well-known arias and choruses such as For unto us a child is born, All we like sheep, And He shall purify and The trumpets shall sound.  Accompanying the 140 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society – one of England’s leading choirs of its kind – will be four acclaimed soloists and the superb Meridian Sinfonia Baroque orchestra, all under the baton of Worcester Cathedral's director of music Samuel Hudson. Don’t miss this perfect musical prelude to the Christmas season! Tickets from both our Online Box Office www.wfcs.online and the TicketSource Hotline: 0333 666 3366. 
 

Sat 16 March 2024: Beethoven - Mass in C (Worcester Cathedral, 7.30pm)

Two, thrilling choral classics - one old, one new - are coming to Worcester Cathedral on 16 March 2024, performed by the 140 voices of Worcester Festival Choral Society. Beethoven composed his radiant Mass in C major ‘not for God or princes, but the human being entering the church’; conveying the text and sentiments of the Mass in new ways to create a humble, glorious contemplation of the divine. The concert also includes Richard Blackford's breathtakingly beautiful 1996 cantata, Mirror of Perfection, expressively set to poems by St Francis of Assisi. Performed with outstanding soloists including acclaimed soprano Susanna Fairburn, and accompanied by the superb Meridian Sinfonia orchestra, the performance will be conducted by Worcester Cathedral's charismatic director of music, Samuel Hudson. Tickets from both our online Box Office www.wfcs.online and the TicketSource Hotline: 0333 666 3366. 

 

Sat 13 April 2024: Come & Sing! Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle one-day choral workshop (St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pump St, Worcester WR1 2QT)

Love singing? Why not 'Come & Sing' Rossini’s delightful Petite Messe Solennelle in a rewarding, one-day choral workshop held in historic Worcester on Saturday 13 April 2024. The event, hosted by Worcester Festival Choral Society, offers the chance for singers of all kinds to explore one of the Romantic era’s most enjoyable choral works under the expert direction of Eton College organist and music teacher, Christopher Allsop FRCO, with piano accompaniment from Worcester Cathedral’s Deputy Director of Music, Nicholas Freestone. As well as the singing sessions, the day will include vocal tips, musical insights and an informal afternoon performance with soloists, which family and friends can attend free of charge. There will also be plenty of refreshment breaks to relax in the company of around 150 other musically minded people. Plus you can choose from an array of homemade cakes and pre-orderable lunches to tempt the tastebuds. You don't need choral experience to take part, but some ability to read music will be useful. Registration begins from 9.30am, with singing starting from 10:15am. The informal performance begins at 3.40pm, with the day concluding by 4.45pm. Tickets are £22 (adults) and £10 (students), which includes score hire and free teas/coffees throughout the day. Tickets from both our online Box Office www.wfcs.online and the TicketSource Hotline: 0333 666 3366. 

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Charity Name: Worcester Festival Choral Society

Charity number: 506826

Hobbies & Societies Performing Arts

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