We're delighted that abcd President, John Rutter, will be leading our Midlands Singing Day! Described as "one of the most influential choral composers of our time", he has recently been awarded Fellowship of The Ivor's Academy (2023) in recognition of his contribution to classical music.
John's singing days are loved worldwide, bringing singers together for a unique day of singing and community, interspersed with John's anecdotes from a lifetime of music-making. Join us for a day of choral favourites old and new under John's expert guidance, with accompanist Neil Taylor.
The day's music will include Feel the Spirit, a cycle of seven familiar spirituals expertly arranged by John, and we're delighted that mezzo soprano Melanie Marshall, for whom the set was written, will be with us - not to be missed!
John will also be leading music from his Sacred Choruses volume and some of his own short pieces, including A Clare Benediction, A Ukranian Prayer, It was a lover and his lass, Look to the day and The Lord bless you and keep you.
All music will be provided on the day.
Download a flier to share with your choir here.
Melanie Marshall has enjoyed a successful and varied career both singing and acting, both here and abroad. Feel the Spirit for mezzo soprano and chorus was written especially for her by John Rutter and Melanie has performed it many times, notably at Carnegie Hall and other wonderful venues. Melanie's theatre career includes Jane Eyre (National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic), Fela! (National Theatre and USA), Only Fools and Horses the Musical (the longest running show in the history of The Haymarket Theatre in London's West End), and Porgy and Bess, to name a few.
Cost (per person):
£30 (non members)
£20 (abcd members)
£15 (students and under 18s, must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day)
£25 for group bookings of 6 or more (*abcd members free if bringing a group of 6 or more - please contact Elisabeth Brierley to arrange this free place).