Requiem in a Day

FREE EVENT! Come and sing one of the UK's favourite new choral works in Lancing College Chapel!

Join composer Matthew Coleridge for an inspiring and uplifting day of choral singing in Lancing College Chapel. You’ll learn his “sublime” choral work Requiem, before singing in a deeply moving evening performance, conducted by the composer. We'll be joined acclaimed organist Richard McVeigh.

This event is FREE for singers to attend; contributions towards running costs are greatly appreciated.



 Matthew Coleridge is a great force for good in the choral world  Alexander Armstrong, Classic FM

Lancing College Chapel

Photo by Jack Pease

Lancing College Chapel
Lancing College Chapel

Photo by David Iliff

 As uplifting and glorious as anything I've ever sung  Elizabeth, Selby Abbey workshop April 2023

 Just overwhelming, and blew my heart right open  Nicola, Arundel Cathedral workshop February 2023

 He creates joy and sublime moments. Book now before word gets out!  Come And Sing Somewhere review, Exeter 2021

Details and timings

Timings on the day (provisional)
Sunday 30th June 2024

  • 09:30 - 10:30

    singer registration

  • 10:30 - 13:30

    morning rehearsal - part learning and note-bashing

  • 13:30 - 14:30

    lunch break

  • 14:30 - 17:30

    afternoon rehearsal - with organ accompaniment and soloists

  • 19:00 - 20:15

    concert performance - dress code for singers: all black

 Reaches into the soul and lifts it skyward  - BBC Music Magazine

Musicians
Matthew Coleridge

Matthew Coleridge

One of the UK's most exciting compositional voices, Matthew's music leapt into the spotlight in 2023, when his Requiem was voted into the Classic FM Hall of Fame's top 100 - making him the second youngest composer on the list, and 10th highest living composer overall.

His beautifully melodic and deeply moving choral music is performed around the world, and is regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM. Matthew has written music for acclaimed ensembles including Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, The Queen's Six, Papagena, and the Choirs of Christchurch Priory.

An engaging and charismatic conductor, Matthew is in increasing demand as a choral workshop leader, with regular events around the UK.

Richard McVeigh

Richard McVeigh

Richard has become one of the most renowned UK organists of his generation. His Beauty in Sound YouTube channel was launched in 2020 (he was one of the very first people in the world to perform a live organ recital on YouTube during the pandemic) and now boasts over 100,000 subscribers

Richard previously worked as a full-time organist at the cathedrals of Sheffield, Chester, York and Winchester, and is now Assistant Organist at Arundel Cathedral, and Assistant Director of Music at Romsey Abbey.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Do I need to be able to read music?

A.  This event is suitable to all choral singers with a basic grasp of music reading. If you can't read music, it would be very wise to learn your part beforehand (see below for details of rehearsal tracks). If you've not sung in a choir before that's ok! Come along and see what you've been missing.

Q.  Where can I listen to Requiem?

A.  You can find a full recording on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Music. A physical CD can be found here.

Q.  Are rehearsal tracks available?

A.  Yes. Head over to koor.app - you'll need to register for a free account, then you can listen to the individual voice parts, recorded by professional singers.

Q.  Can friends and family come and hear us perform?

A.  Yes - please do encourage people to come and hear our evening performance! Audience tickets are available through the links above.

Q.  Is there a dress code?

A.  For the evening concert performance, please dress all in black. There are changing facilities available at the venue.

Q.  What do I need to bring?

A.  Music will be provided for you on the day. It would be helpful to bring a pencil and a packed lunch. You'll also need a change of clothes(all black) for the evening performance.

Q.  Will refreshments be provided?

A.  Tea and coffee will be available, but we'd suggest you bring a packed lunch or picnic.

Q.  Where can I park?

A.  Free parking is available in the College car park.

Q.  Will music scores be provided?

A.  You can borrow a vocal score on the day. If you'd like to buy one in advance (please do!), you can add it when you book your ticket.

Q.  Can I buy a vocal score? And will Matthew sign it?!

A.  You can buy a vocal score in advance, which is a great way to learn your part ahead of the day. It'll be posted to you when you make your booking. Matthew's always happy to sign scores during rehearsal breaks.

Q.  Do I need to book? Can I just turn up on the day?

A.  We can't guarantee you a place if you don't book in advance - venues are limited in space, and we may not have enough music. It's free to book so what are you waiting for?!

Q.  Will there be lots of singers? I don't want to find I'm singing a part on my own!

A.  Numbers vary between events, but we're expecting over 200 singers for this Requiem in a Day event. There are always a handful of strong singers to lead each section!

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Choral workshops

Requiem in a Day workshops

Come and sing Matthew Coleridge's Requiem in some of the country's most inspiring cathedrals, abbeys and churches. All events are directed by the composer.

 Matthew Coleridge is a great force for good in the choral world  - Alexander Armstrong, Classic FM