Singers of all ages and abilities are warmly invited to join a choral workshop run by the Petersfield Musical Festival on Saturday 28th September. This will be a wonderful opportunity to brush up musical skills or introduce newcomers to the world of choral singing, make new friends and possibly learn new repertoire.
The open workshop runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm and will explore, rehearse and perform Dona Nobis Pacem by the great 20th century British composer Vaughan Williams. This beautiful and deeply moving work was written in 1936 and is a plea for peace, reflecting on previous wars and foreshadowing future conflict which was already looming on the horizon. The cantata is based on the Latin Mass, dramatic poetry by American poet Walt Whitman, and sections of the Bible.
The ever popular Paul Spicer, Festival conductor, will guide participants through the work, drawing on his vast knowledge of English choral music, accompanied by Mark Dancer on piano. The workshop will provide singers with an opportunity to get to know a masterpiece which will be sung by the Festival Chorus at next year’s Festival. They may be tempted, after getting a taste for the music, to enjoy the chance to sing on the stage of the Festival Hall in March 2025 alongside professional soloists and a full orchestra. Dona Nobis Pacem is scored for chorus and full orchestra with soprano and baritone soloists. Tickets for the workshop are priced at £18 – £20, with full-time students free and audience members £5. The workshop will take place in Petersfield Methodist Church, Station Road, Petersfield. However, feel free to turn up on the day even if you haven’t booked– music scores will be available.
Read more about and book tickets for this event.
