Matthew Coleridge

Requiem in a Day

FREE EVENT! Come and sing one of the UK's favourite new choral works at Great Malvern Priory!

Join composer Matthew Coleridge for an inspiring and uplifting day of choral singing at Great Malvern Priory. You’ll learn his “sublime” choral work Requiem, before singing in an exhilarating evening performance, conducted by the composer.

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

Book now

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

Photo by David James

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)

09:30 - 10:30

singer registration
10:30 - 13:30

morning rehearsal - part learning and note-bashing
13:30 - 14:30

lunch break (Farmers' Market in the abbey yard)
14:30 - 17:30

afternoon rehearsal - with organ accompaniment and soloists
19:00 - 20:15

concert performance - dress code for singers: all black

Great Malvern Priory, Church Street, Malvern WR14 2AY

Great Malvern Priory is one of the greater parish churches in the country and an active Anglican church with almost a thousand years of history. It was founded in 1085 and contains a fine collection of stained glass from the 15th century up to the 21st century, together with carved misericords from the 14th and 15th centuries and the largest collection of mediaeval floor and wall tiles.

There is disabled access to most parts of the priory.

All day car parking £3 at Priory Road South (WR14 3DS), Priory Road North and Victoria Road (WR14 2TD), all 5-10 minutes walk from the Priory.

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

Musicians

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.

Piers Maxim

Piers is Director of Music at Great Malvern Priory. He began his musical career as a boy chorister at St Paul's Cathedral. An organist since his teens, he was Organ Scholar at his school, Christ’s Hospital. He continued to play during his time at Wells Cathedral and as a Choral Scholar at Clare College, Cambridge. After graduating, he continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London.

In the field of opera, Piers has worked in European opera houses including Staatsoper Berlin, Le Théâtre des Champs Elysées Paris, and the Netherlands Nationale Reisopera. Chorus Master from 2002 to 2004 at Scottish Opera, Piers conducted La Bohème (Puccini) and Aida (Verdi). From September 2004 until 2009, he was Chorus Master at Le Théâtre Royal de La Monnaie in Brussels. There he worked on around 40 operas on stage and in concert.

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 (or there are plenty of places nearby to buy something during the lunch break). You'll also need a change of clothes(all black) for the evening performance.

Q. Will refreshments be provided?

A. No, but there are several shops, cafés, bars and restaurant within a stone's throw..

Q. Where can I park?

A. There are several long-stay car parks within a short walk: Priory Road South (WR14 3DS), Priory Road North and Victoria Road (WR14 2TD) are all £3 all day.

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 150 singers for this Requiem in a Day event. There are always a handful of strong singers to lead each section!

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