The annual Come and Sing event, which takes place on Saturday 4th February 2017 at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham, sees the acclaimed choir tackle Mozart’s uplifting Coronation Mass.

One of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most popular Masses, it was written in 1779. Joyful, celebratory and (at less than 30mins) compact, the Coronation Mass was completed in challenging circumstances. After a period of travel, the 23-year-old Mozart found himself back in his birthplace of Salzburg, Austria, reluctantly taking up the job as a cathedral organist under an archbishop who imposed strict rules on the composition of music. Mass in C K317, to give it its official title, took on the now established nickname Coronation Mass after becoming associated with later royal occasions.

The relaxed, informal and inspired afternoon workshop (and concluding performance), will be led by Birmingham Bach Choir’s Musical Director and conductor Paul Spicer – himself an accomplished composer.

“Come and Sing is one of our most popular activities,” says Sarah Platt, Birmingham Bach Choir’s Chair. “It’s a great opportunity to sing a major choral work instructed by Paul, as well as to meet other singers from all walks of life, from across the West Midlands.”

But the afternoon workshop wouldn’t be complete without the Choir’s celebrated refreshments. “During our break we’ll also be serving tea with our famed homemade cakes too,” adds Sarah. “They always go down very well indeed!”