Join us for a Come & Sing whistle-stop tour of some favourite choruses from Handel's Messiah!
Members of the City of Southampton Orchestra
David Gibson, conductor
the hub, City College
Sunday, 4th March
2.00 pm, with informal performance from 3.30 - 4.00 pm
Southampton comes alive this March with sounds from African drumming and a cappella to zumba and zydeco as part of the BBC's Music Nation weekend.
From 10am - 11pm each day, international artists, local professionals, community groups and young people's ensembles launch one letter in each hour. With concerts at a number of venues across the City, including J For Jazz from pianist Julian Joseph, C for Concerto with violinist Chloe Hanslip and Q For Quartet with the wonderful Brodsky Quartet, plus singing workshops, samba drumming sessions, tabla masterclasses, tango lessons and more, there's plenty to enjoy and get involved in. Visit the Southampton Musical Alphabet webpage for full details of all the events on offer!
Southampton Philharmonic Choir has adopted the letter R, for "Rehearse (and then sing)" After the amazing response to our Messiah performance (December 2011 at Southampton Guildhall), which sold out, we've decided to offer a "Come & Sing" informal workshop on choruses from Messiah, followed by an equally relaxed workshop performance, as our contribution to Southampton's Musical Alphabet.
Led by the Choir's own Musical Director, David Gibson, and helped along the way by a core of the Choir's many experienced singers, come and have a go at singing some of the most famous choruses from Messiah. Accompanying us all will be an ensemble from the City of Southampton Orchestra.
Where, and when?
The exciting space offered by the atrium of the hub at City College is the venue for the workshop and performance on the afternoon of Sunday, 4th March. The workshop begins at 2pm, and there will be a short break (café open throughout the afternoon for refreshments) before the informal performance at 3.30pm, finishing at 4pm. Members of the public are welcome to come and observe the workshop, as well as to listen to the concert.
What do I need?
An enthusiasm for singing in a group is an absolute requirement. An ability to read music or familiarity with Handel's Messiah, while not essential, will probably enhance your enjoyment of the workshop. However, a core of singers from the Phil will be taking part and providing a strong lead, if you need someone to follow! We are using the Novello Watkins Shaw edition of Messiah. If you can lay your hands on a copy, please bring it along, but if you can't, we think we should have enough copies to lend to all visiting singers.
What about tickets?
Participation is free of charge, but places are limited, so you must book a ticket (via the box office at the Turner Sims - booking opens soon). If you just want to come and listen, please do. You don't need any ticket for that - subject to there being room, you're more than welcome!
How do I get there, and where can I park?
the hub theatre at Southampton City College is based on St Marys Street in central Southampton, just beyond Hoglands Park. Being a city centre campus, it is easily accessible by all forms of transport. From February 2011 access can be made via the Chapel Rd entrance, with parking for approximately 60 vehicles. There will be (limited) free parking on site on the afternoon of 4 March. Other nearby car parks include the multi-storey car park at Eastgate.
Is there anything you would like to ask, regarding this event? Feel free to contact the Choir's Secretary, Deborah Mitchell, by email, or phone 02380 616532.
Southampton Philharmonic Choir - making music live in Southampton since 1860.
