Choir to workshop Bach's masterpiece

FANS of singing are being invited to join the Reading Bach Choir for a day-long workshop on Bach’s Mass in B minor next Saturday (January 14).

The choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season — one of the highlights of which will be a performance of the mass at the Concert Hall, Reading, on Saturday, February 11.

This was the first piece the choir performed in January 1967. It has been described as “the mightiest choral piece ever written” and “the greatest musical work of art of all time and all nations”.

A spokesman for the choir said: “In preparation for this and as an opportunity for other singers to experience its glories, we are running a workshop on some of the choruses. Following the day’s rehearsals there will be an informal performance at 4pm. Non-singing guests are welcome to attend for a fee of £5.” The workshop will take place at Caversham Heights Methodist Church on the corner of Woodcote Road and Highmoor Road.

The spokesman added: “The workshop will be directed by Matthew Hamilton, the choir’s brilliant conductor. Matthew loves Bach’s choral music and directed us in an inspirational performance of the St John Passion at Douai Abbey in February 2013.

“The charge for the day will be £20 a head, which includes music hire, plus tea and coffee throughout. Please make your own arrangements for lunch. We will be singing in German using the Bärenreiter edition of the mass. If you would like the music in advance, we can supply this for a small additional fee to cover postage of £3.”

To book your place, visit www.readingbachchoir.org.uk — or for more information call Barbara Morris on 0118 987 1452.