Messiah for all at Horsham Church

It is led by Stephen Hope in St Mary’s Parish Church in Horsham’s Causeway.

Spokesman Patrick McGuinness-Smith said: “People are drawn to singing by the wide variety of music styles now rehearsed and performed, from pop tunes to songs from the shows, as well as to the more traditional classical repertoire.

“In this latter category, Handel’s Messiah is probably the best-known piece of music for choirs and is therefore an ideal stepping stone to tread for someone new to choral singing who wants to explore the classical genre.

“With memorable melodies – Unto us a child is born, He shall feed his flock, Hallellujah Chorus – Messiah, or parts of it, features regularly on Classic FM and other popular radio stations.”

Patrick added: “The day’s workshop starts with registration at 10.30am, followed by the morning rehearsal until 1.30pm. The afternoon rehearsal runs from 3.30pm till 5.30pm and as a finale there will be a concert performance at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available, but sadly not lunch.

“Joining the choir for the afternoon rehearsal and evening concert are members of Sinfonia da Chiesa, an orchestra of professional musicians, as well as four vocal soloists.”

Tickets for the full day cost £15 as do audience tickets for the concert. All proceeds go to support St Catherine’s Hospice. The Sussex Festival Choir has raised over £60.000 for local hospices in the past ten years, by workshops and their annual summer concert in Arundel Cathedral.