The CBBC holds an annual workshop, usually in January. We welcome visitors from all over to come to Bath for the day to study a particular work alongside the choir. Sometimes this is a classic; other years it may be a contemporary work with which people are generally less familiar. The workshop is led by our Musical Director Nigel Perrin, who takes us through the history and language of the piece and, following the usual vocal warm-ups, teaches us all how to sing it properly.
The day usually begins at 10am and finishes around 4.30pm, following an informal sing-through of the whole work. There are breaks for coffee, lunch and tea. It is a hugely rewarding, enjoyable and – dare we say it? – well-organised day, which usually attracts upwards of 160 singers.
However our 2010 workshop was a sell-out. It took place on January 23 at the church of St Michael’s Without on Broad Street, Bath. The work studied on this occasion was Mozart's Requiem. Many of the participants had performed it in the past, though for a significant number it was their first opportunity to sing this great work. But we were all able to take away new insights into the piece, and the sing through at the end was no doubt enjoyed by all.
The next one will take place on Saturday January 29th 2011 when the work studied will be Mendelssohn's Elijah.
For more information about our workshops, please contact Richard Young at Richard.a.young@btinternet.com
Open evenings
From time to time the CBBC also holds an open singing evening, usually on a regular rehearsal night, to which everyone is invited. Come and sing with us for an hour or so, and then join us for an informal buffet supper. It’s a great way to find out first-hand what we get up to – and you might feel inspired to take the next step to join us.
A recent guest wrote back to us:
“It was your website that led me to the open evening of the Bath Bach Choir. The photos made
the choir gatherings look relaxed, and the text was very welcoming. The idea of an invitation
to an open evening was brilliant - very unthreatening, inclusive and not at all scary”.
For more information about open evenings, please contact Helen Roberts at 01225 858199 or email Helen.e.roberts@virgin.net.
To join our mailing list for updates about concerts, workshops and open singing evenings, please contact Hugh Osborne at hugh@hughosborne.com.