Offering singers from across the West Midlands a rare chance to rehearse with one of the UK’s leading choirs, the workshop sees the choir – under the direction of celebrated conductor Paul Spicer – explore Beethoven’s Mass In C.

Selected to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth, Mass In C is an underrated masterpiece which was commissioned in 1807 by Prince Nikolaus Esterházy II, a long-standing patron of the composer Haydn who, by that time, was suffering from ill health.

The first of Beethoven’s two masses, it has been unjustly labelled as a preliminary for the German composer’s later Missa solemnis – no doubt in part due to the Hungarian Prince’s cool response to a reportedly under rehearsed premiere. Yet Mass In C is a major triumph, with Beethoven adopting an original, decidedly modern and forward-looking approach, filled with melancholy and intensity.

Having recently celebrated their centenary with a grand gala concert, Birmingham Bach Choir is one of the West Midlands’ oldest and most distinguished musical groups. Regularly performing at major concert venues in the area, their repertoire spans works from the early medieval period through Baroque, to contemporary and modern pieces.

Birmingham Bach Choir’s Heather Gay, who organises the day, says: “This year’s Come And Sing is a great opportunity for singers from right across the region to join us and other choral singers to rehearse this major Beethoven work with one of the country’s most respected choral conductors.

“We’ll also be serving our famed homemade cakes as well was winding up the afternoon with an impromptu free performance, which families and friends of those singing are welcome to come along to listen to.”

The workshop, which concludes with an informal concert performance, takes place on Saturday 1st February at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HT from 2.15pm. Tickets £14 (or £16.50 with music hire). Prior booking recommended.