Men required for leading West Midlands choir

Call out for bass and tenor singers as bursaries announced.

Birmingham Bach Choir are currently looking for male basses and tenors to join their ranks and are inviting prospective members to an Open Rehearsal on Wednesday 25th February 2015.

The evening rehearsal will take place in Edgbaston, and music (Bach and Handel) will be provided. For more information, and to reserve a place, email [email protected]

The call-out comes in the wake of the announcement of three bursaries which have been awarded to young tenors James Beddoe, Richard James and Tom Dalton.

Tom (23) is presently studying medicine at University of Birmingham, while Richard (21) is studying music at Birmingham Conservatoire – both live in the city. Worcester resident James (22) recently graduated from the University of York, where he also sang with the University Opera Society and Symphony Orchestra as well as York Minster Choir, and Yorkshire Bach Choir.

Says James: “It’s been great singing with the Birmingham Bach Choir so far: there’s an excellent range of repertoire coupled with [choir conductor] Paul’s skilful directing, and you get a real sense that the singers are engaged in the music. I’ve felt very welcome – there’s an excellent group spirit!”

Tom adds: “It is definitely the finest choir I have ever sung with – I feel honoured to be included! And I have greatly enjoyed the range of music chosen so far, much of which was unfamiliar to me.”

Sarah Platt, Birmingham Bach Choir’s Chair, said: “We are really delighted to be able to make these awards to financially help young singers in the area. Richard and James’ bursaries have been donated by the John Feeney Charitable Trust, while Tom’s has been financed by Birmingham Bach Choir. We welcome all three to the choir and hope they enjoy singing with us over the coming year.”

Birmingham Bach Choir’s next official concert, at which all three new singers will be performing in the choir, is Magnificat, at Birmingham Cathedral, on 28th March 2015. For more information, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com