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Matthew Coleridge

Requiem in a Day

Come & Sing at Selby Abbey

FREE choral workshop directed by Matthew Coleridge & Caius Lee

Join over 150 choral singers for this very special Come and Sing day in Yorkshire’s magnificent Selby Abbey.

Led by Matthew Coleridge and Caius Lee (Florence International Singing Programme) we’ll also be joined by the Selby Abbey Choir, with their Director of Music Oliver Waterer at the organ.

Matthew will conduct his own sublime Requiem, whilst Caius will guide us through Gabriel Fauré’s timeless classic. Spend the day rehearsing in Selby's glorious acoustics, before singing in a deeply moving concert performance.

I didn't want the performance to end - something I haven't thought during a concert for several years now!

A glorious piece to sing... a lot of us were in tears by the end of it.

Details and timings

Timings on the day

09:30 - 10:00

singer registration
10:00 - 13:30

morning rehearsal - part learning and note-bashing, with Matthew and Caius
13:30 - 14:30

lunch break (bring a packed lunch)
14:30 - 17:30

afternoon rehearsal - with organ accompaniment and soloists
19:00 - 20:30

concert performance - dress code for singers: all black
Performers

Matthew Coleridge - conductor (Coleridge Requiem)
Caius Lee - conductor (Fauré Requiem)
Selby Abbey Choir
Oliver Waterer - organ
...and the Requiem in a Day Choir!

Selby Abbey, The Crescent, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4PU

Selby Abbey is one of the most superb churches to be found anywhere in the UK, and boasts over 950 years of history.

The level, accessible south entrance is signposted from the marketplace. The Abbey has some uneven flooring due to the age of the stone used. The floor is generally level and suitable for wheelchair users. All publicly accessible parts of the Abbey are either level access or accessible via a permanent ramp. There are accessible toilets within the abbey.

All day car parking is available at several sites within a five-minute walk.

He creates joy and sublime moments... book now before words gets out!

Meet the team

Matthew Coleridge

composer & director

One of the UK's most exciting emerging composers, Matthew is a charismatic and engaging choral leader.

His workshops are led with sensitivity and humour, bringing out the best in singers and inspiring a confident performance.

His beautifully melodic and uplifting choral works are widely performed. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Scala Radio, and recorded by professional ensembles including The Choir of Royal Holloway, The Queen's Six and RSVP Voices.

Caius Lee

co-director

Caius is a Choral Director for the Diocese of Leeds, helping to deliver their internationally acclaimed Schools' Singing Programme. He is Musical Director of The Bradford Chorale, accompanist for York Music Society, and a Sing for Pleasure Conducting Scholar.

His commitment and passion for providing singing opportunities to disadvantaged areas have recently been recognised with a Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) Fellowship.

Caius is the founder and director of the Florence International Singing Programme, which gives amateur singers an opportunity to sing excellent music in some of Europe's finest church buildings, with 'Choral Holidays' in Florence, York and London.

Oliver Waterer

organ

Oliver has been Director of Music at Selby Abbey since 2021. Before moving to Yorkshire he served as Director of Music at St David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire and was Artistic Director of the St David's Festival.

Previous positions include a spell as Assistant DoM at Chelmsford Cathedral, and Sub Organist of HM Chapels Royal.

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 is a coffee shop in the Abbey, and several cafés, shops, pubs and restaurants within a striking distance.

Q. Is parking available near Selby Abbey?

A. There are several public car parks within a five-minute walk of the abbey (from £3.00 all day). See Parkopedia for more details.

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

Reviews

I am spreading the word that we have a great piece of new choral music to enjoy singing - I am still on a high from Saturday’s performance 24 hours later!
Richard Duckett - Pershore Abbey workshop 2022

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

Thank you for giving us such an uplifting day, singing in the amazing space of Downside Abbey. Truly, some unforgettable moments for all of us singing.
Roma Galpin - Downside Abbey workshop 2022

It was a privilege to take part; you are a consummate musician and taught us with sensitivity and humour - all too rare in choir directors!
Juliet Grundy - Pershore Abbey workshop 2022

A glorious piece to sing - a lot of us were in tears by the end of it
Teresa Stubbs - Buckfast Abbey workshop 2019

My goosebumps have goosebumps!
Catherine Priston - Pershore Abbey workshop 2022

A joy and privilege to sing this most beautiful piece of music under the direction of the composer himself
Heather Harvey - Buckfast Abbey workshop 2019

Thank you for a wonderful day. You were so encouraging and patient. I can't imagine not singing your Requiem again. I absolutely loved the day!
Monica Kent - Louth workshop 2019

This was no ordinary 'come and sing'! A work of exquisite beauty
Music in Portsmouth review, 2020

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