2 November 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Come and Sing the Requiems by Gabriel Fauré and Sir John Rutter!
Have you ever wanted to sing – or sing again! – Requiems by Gabriel Fauré or Sir John Rutter?
Here’s your perfect chance to do so in a friendly environment and in the company of lots of other singers of all ages and ability!
St Peter’s Singers will host the event and lead the singing in the glorious setting of Leeds Minster. It will be directed by the brilliant Alexander Woodrow, with Shaun Turnbull on the keys of the Minster’s famous Harrison & Harrison organ.
But the day will be made by your contribution, along with those of so many other singers who also want to sing this music.
How it works
All you need to do is to sign up, and then turn up ! Copies of both works will be provided – if you have your own copy of the Novello edition of the Fauré Requiem, or of the Rutter Requiem, you are welcome to bring them. If you’ve not sung these works before or want to brush up on it, then see ‘Learning the music’ below for details of a prior rehearsal and online help.
Registration will start at 1.00pm, and the rehearsal at 1.30pm. There will be plenty of time and space for refreshments and socialising, and we will conclude the afternoon with a performance starting at 5pm, to which your friends and family will be welcome. Dress is smart casual. So it’s all set for an afternoon of fun singing some truly beautiful music!
In order for us to prepare well to welcome you, you are asked to book ahead, letting us know one or two important bits of information. Only a very small number of un-notified admissions will be allowed for special cases on the day. On-line booking will close at 6pm on 1 November.
Under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Audience are welcome to come for the performance at 5pm (doors open 4.30pm) – admission will cost £5 at the door or you can book online.
If you have difficulties with booking online, please email us on secretary@stpeters-singers.org.uk
Learning the music
Not sung these works before? Need some help? It would probably be a good idea to do some prep!
Rehearsal
We are pleased to announce that we will hold a prior rehearsal on Wednesday 30 October 7.30pm-9.00pm at Leeds Minster. This will be a friendly and relaxed event, directed by Alex Woodrow with support from members of St Peter’s Singers, and will be free of charge. However, it is essential that you book for this as soon as possible and in any event not later than Saturday 26 October so that we can confirm its viability.
Homework
There are a number of websites and apps that may be able to help you (although this comes without warranty!):
ChoralLine : Download an App for your laptop, phone or tablet; costs £9.99-£13.99 per work. The website offers samples so that you can see what you will get before you buy. The rehearsal is accompanied by clear spoken instructions helping you start at the right time, and your voice part is played in a distinct sound to help you identify the notes correctly. The website also makes it simple to purchase a copy if you need to.
Choralia : Free, but the website is much more basic. There are a number of different options, where you can hear just your part, or all the parts with your part standing out, or all the parts with yours at the same volume as the others.
Learn Choral Music : Free, but basic.
Please note: it is not possible for us to issue copies ahead of the event on 2 November. You may be able to borrow a copy from your local library.
Accessibility
Leeds Minster is about 5 minutes walk from Leeds Bus Station, and about 15 minutes walk from Leeds Railway Station. There is on-street parking on the side streets nearby, as well as the NCP Markets carpark ( 5 minutes) and the John Lewis carpark (10 minutes).
There is ramp access to the main doors beneath the tower, with entrance to the grounds at the West End by the Lamb and Flag pub recommended to avoid the steps up from the street level. Once inside there there is step-free access to the nave and to the City of Leeds Room for refreshments and toilets.