Heartfelt thanks for making it possible for us to sing such music in such a setting, with such an orchestra under such a conductor
MFC undertakes its Annual Concert in Worcester Cathedral each October. Singers come together for two Rehearsal Saturdays in October, preceded by a Preparation Day in May.
The Preparation Day, held in the well-suited space of St. Andrew's Methodist Church, Worcester, offers an early opportunity to begin learning the music for the October concert in a friendly and stimulating environment. Singers then have five months to prepare their part at home with the help of specially prepared recordings of each voice part, Conductor's Notes and regular tips to help the learning process. Preparation Day is an important early meeting of the choir for that year and all singers enrolled for the event are urged to attend.
Singers wanting to take part in the Annual Concert may apply at any time after 1 November, while places are available, and in sufficient time to allow for the necessary preparation which must be undertaken in advance. The Annual Concert involves intensive rehearsals on the first Saturday in October at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, followed by further rehearsals a week later in the Cathedral with orchestra and soloists and a culminating concert that evening. Anyone can apply to take part, although previous choral singing experience is desirable, as is the ability to respond to a number of challenges.
Major choral works are selected for performance, usually two or three years in advance – recently these have included the Requiem by Verdi, Bruckner’s Te Deum, Dvorak Stabat Mater and Kodaly’s Budavari Te Deum. Music for 2012 includes Britten’s Spring Symphony and Parry's Blest Pair of Sirens. Some of the country’s finest soloists and orchestras are engaged, helping to make our performances very special: over the years these have included the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Dame Janet Baker, Robert Tear, Stephen Varcoe, Willard White and Catherine Wyn-Rogers.
Midland Festival Chorus offers singers an exhilarating, rewarding and unique musical experience!