The annual event, which celebrates the life and music of Worcestershire’s most famous composer, Sir Edward Elgar, is looking for experienced singers to join the 2025 Elgar Festival Chorus.
The chorus will perform John Ireland’s work for baritone solo, chorus, and orchestra, ‘These Things Shall Be’, at the Elgar Festival Gala Concert on Saturday, May 31, at Worcester Cathedral.
They will perform alongside the English Symphony Orchestra, baritone Gareth Brynmor John, and conductor and the festival’s artistic director, Kenneth Woods.
The gala programme will also feature the song cycle ‘Out of the Shadows’ by 2025 festival composer Ian Venables, in the premiere of its full orchestral version.
The concert will conclude with Elgar’s Symphony No. 2.
Mr Woods said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for singers to be involved in a once-in-a-lifetime musical performance.
“The Elgar Festival Chorus is a vital part of the Elgar Festival, bringing together outstanding choral singers from around the region under the leadership of chorus master Stephen Shellard.
“Singers, come and sing with us in the 2025 festival as we perform John Ireland’s oratorio ‘These things shall be’!
“It’s a powerful musical version – accompanied by a world class symphony orchestra – of a better and brighter tomorrow, full of thrilling music and gorgeous melodies.”
Singers are asked to make a commitment to attend at least five rehearsals and to be available for the afternoon rehearsal on the day of the concert.
Musical director of the Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir, Stephen Shellard, said: “John Ireland’s ‘These things shall be’ was his biggest choral work showing the influences of Debussy, Stravinsky and Edward Elgar and was commissioned by the BBC to celebrate the coronation of George VI in 1937.
“It is a powerful and stirring tour de force and we look forward to continuing to build on the successes of Worcester’s newest chorus!”
The festival will take place from Saturday, May 24, until Sunday, June 1, and will feature world-class professional musicians and artists alongside local choirs and ensembles.
For more information and to apply, visit elgarfestival.org/elgar-festival-chorus-2025.