Tamesis Chamber Choir is inviting people to join in a come and sing workshop which will be held in Henley in March.
The group will be learning a Patchwork Oratorio.
Organisers say: “Variety is the spice of a musical life – so why settle for singing just one oratorio when you can enjoy a taste of many?”
This comprises excerpts from: Elgar’s The Music Makers, Haydn’s The Creation, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and St Paul, Handel’s Messiah, Stainer’s The Crucifixion, Berlioz’s L’Enfance du Christ, Orff’s Carmina Burana … rounded off with a selection from Horowitz’s Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo.
The event will be led by Louise Rapple Moore, who is the musical director of Tamesis, and organisers say it will be a relaxed and enjoyable day.
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They add: “Tamesis Chamber Choir and award-winning musical director Louise Rapple Moore invite you to join us for an entertaining and uplifting day of oratorio singing… with a difference.
“We’ve selected some greatest hits and new favourites, piecing together a vibrant and exciting programme of beautiful choral movements from nine different oratorios.
“Whatever you love, we think we’ve got it covered… and you may even come away with new favourites to cherish. Join us to sing or listen: everyone is welcome.”
The patchwork formula was used in 2018, and Tamesis say this was very popular.
This event was followed with another event in 2020.
And now, it’s back.
The Tamesis team continue: “Whether you know the music already or want to try out something new to you, we welcome singers on every voice part to come and sing with us.
“Build your knowledge and confidence with members of Tamesis Chamber Choir alongside to support you, or lend your vocal expertise to anchor the performance.
“There’s no pressure and it doesn’t matter whether you already know the music or not.
“Louise will lead a lively and relaxed daytime rehearsal with plenty of breaks – refreshments and cakes provided – and we’ll perform our completed Patchwork in the evening, accompanied by our wonderful organist Simon Dinsdale.
“You’ll be free to leave and enjoy the hostelries of Henley at around 7.15pm.”
When and where will Tamesis Chamber Choir hold its Patchwork Oratorio workshop?
The event runs on Saturday, March 8, at St Mary’s Church, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 2AU.
The rehearsals start at 10.30am, with a concert performance at 6pm. This will conclude by 7.15pm.
How do I book in to the workshop?
Places cost £25 in advance or £30 on the door, if space permits.
This includes all music, including a booklet to keep, refreshments and cakes, and the short concert performance.
Those booked in will receive an email confirming their place and detailed information ahead of the workshop.
For more details, or to book log on to: https://tamesischamberchoir.com/eventer/come-and-sing-a-patchwork-oratorio/edate/2025-03-08
I don’t want to sing, can I hear the finished Patchwork Oratorio?
The performance starts at 6pm and takes place in St Mary’s Church in Henley.
The church is in Hart Street, at the heart of the town. For more details on it, log on to: https://stmaryshenley.org/
Tickets cost £8 in advance, or £10 on the door.
For more details, or to book concert tickets, log on to: https://tamesischamberchoir.com/eventer/come-and-sing-a-patchwork-oratorio/edate/2025-03-08
Is there car parking at St Mary’s Church in Henley?
Only a small number of spaces for blue badge holders, and these should be reserved by contacting Tamesis in advance.
There is a long stay public parking a few minutes’ walk away in Henley Station car park.
There’s also good public transport to Henley: come by bus or catch the train via Twyford, from the London-Reading mainline.
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