Come and Sing/Play Workshop
BRAHMS : A GERMAN REQUIEM
with
Director: Richard Roddis
Répétiteur: Michael Overbury
Instrumental Specialist: Kelly McCusker
at
St. Michael and All Angels Parish Church,
Church St, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3HD
on
Saturday 23rd January 2027
The Music
Our Come Sing & Play for 2027 is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to spend a day singing and playing the chamber version of the much-loved Brahms' A German Requiem. Unlike so many, not the vengeful Latin Mass for the Dead, but an oratorio for the living in the wake of bereavement - Brahms’ personal selection of profound texts of comfort from Luther’s German Bible. By turns lush, dramatic, searching, elegiac - enjoy its rich variety of moods and masterly musical expression.
Sinfonia Chorale Director
Director Richard Roddis is well known throughout the East Midlands for his work with choirs. His conducting experience stretches back more than a quarter of a century and, as a professional singer and a member of several top choirs, he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to choral conducting. He was appointed Director of the Sinfonia Chorale in June 1991.
Accompanist
Organist and harpsichordist Michael Overbury’s early musical influences centred on Farnham and London, where he was introduced to the glories of the English liturgical tradition, and it was here also that his organ teacher Stephen Thomson inspired in him a love of the harpsichord.
Horizons broadened with an Organ Scholarship to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. After graduating he held a number of posts including deputy organist and choir master at the Cathedral and Abbey Church at St Alban’s. After winning First Prize in the 1982 Manchester International Organ Competition, he appeared twice as soloist at the Royal Festival Hall and has continued to play with many choirs and orchestras.
He is currently accompanist to Ruddington and District Choral Society, as well as Sinfonia Chorale, and will be our répétiteur for the day.
Instrumental specialist
Kelly McCusker studied at the Purcell School and Kingston University before gaining a distinction in Music Performance for her Masters degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. The Conservatoire made her an Honorary member in 2002. She enjoys a busy and varied freelance career on baroque and classical violin working with a variety of ensembles and teaching in the East Midlands.
Venue for the 2027 Come and Sing/Play event :
St. Michael and All Angels Parish Church, Church Street, Bramcote, Nottingham, NG9 3HD.
The venue is conveniently situated between Nottingham and Derby close to the A52. There is a car park next to the Church and additional on-street parking nearby.
Programme for the day
- 9.30 Registration
- 10.00 - 13.00 Rehearsal with tea/coffee break
- 13.00 Lunch
- 14.00 - 16.30 Rehearsal with tea/coffee break and mini concert
Cost for the day
- £25 (without lunch)
- £30 (to include lunch)
Music may be borrowed in advance of the event – details will be in the confirmation letter/email which will be sent to you on receipt of your booking application.
Booking
- Either ONLINE
- Please complete the ONLINE BOOKING FORM and then submit it. (one application per person)
- After booking you will receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 7 days which will contain BACS payment details for the event.
- The booking is provisional until payment is received.
- ONLINE Bookings are open until Saturday 16th January 2027, but may close earlier as places are limited
- To be eligible for a full refund, any cancellations must be received by Monday 18thJanuary 2027
- or By POST
- Please download the appropriate POSTAL BOOKING FORM, print and complete it. (one application per person)
- POST this completed form together with your cheque made payable to Sinfonia Chorale for £25 / (£30 to include lunch) to the name and address shown on the booking form
- You will receive an acknowledgement within 7 days which will either be sent to you by letter, or to your email address (if provided.)
- Forms and payment must be received by Saturday 9th January 2027.
- The booking is provisional until payment has been cleared.
- To be eligible for a full refund, any cancellations must be received by Monday 18th January 2027
Concert
BRAHMS : A GERMAN REQUIEM
You will be able to hear Sinfonia Chorale with the Helix Ensemble performing Brahms’ A German Requiem on Saturday 13th March 2027.
Tickets and further details will be available from the Sinfonia Chorale website nearer the time.
Comments from previous workshops:
“As usual it was a very enjoyable occasion, the more so as we managed some quite challenging music under Richard's usual masterly direction. I sing in three choirs in Norwich with pretty good conductors but I'd forgotten just how good Richard is at this job.
"Please will you pass on to your splendid team my thanks for a most enjoyable day yesterday. I always enjoy your "Come and Sing" days, so well organised and friendly. I guess the music had something to do with it too so praise to those who chose the programme ....well done
"Just a quick line to say how much I enjoyed the workshop yesterday, with the many variations of O Magnum Mysterium. As always, I was made to feel most welcome, the singing was spine-tingling and Richard’s brief introduction to each piece’s composer was illuminating and helpful. The behind-the-scenes work by your members meant the day ran smoothly so please pass on my appreciation to everyone involved."
"I just want to say a big thank you for a most enjoyable day. I always find the Sinfonia folk very friendly and welcoming as well as being well organised and good cooks ! A good choice of music too, some familiar, some new, all good for the brain !
Chris Saunders ( DBC)
"Great to sing with a different choral director. Richard is very precise and keeps things moving!"
Alison (alto) from Southwell Choral Society
"It’s been fun! Nice doing it with the organ!"
Tenor from Ruddington Choral Society
"Fabulous day!"
Anon
