Singers from across the region are being invited to take part in a new chorus being formed for next year’s Swaledale Festival.
The Swaledale Festival Chorus will make its debut with a performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace at St Mary’s Church in Richmond in June 2027.
Organisers are now looking for sopranos, altos, tenors and basses to join the specially assembled choir.
Previous choral experience is welcomed but is not essential, although applicants need to be capable singers, able to prepare music independently and commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule.
Chorusmaster Benjamin Noble said: “We’re bringing together singers from across the region to create a strong, balanced chorus for this exciting project.
“Choral experience is welcome, but it’s not essential. If you’re a capable singer, comfortable preparing music independently and able to commit to the full rehearsal and performance schedule, we’d love to hear from you.”
The chorus will hold three dedicated Sunday rehearsals ahead of the performance during the 2027 festival.
Places will be limited, with singers selected to ensure a balance across the four voice parts.
Those applying are being asked to submit a short audio recording as part of the selection process.
The Armed Man, subtitled A Mass for Peace, was composed by Karl Jenkins and explores themes of war, peace and reconciliation.
The performance will form part of the 2027 Swaledale Festival, which brings music and arts events to venues across Swaledale, Wensleydale and surrounding areas.
Applications to join the new chorus close at 10pm on Thursday, October 22.
Full details, including rehearsal and performance dates and instructions on submitting an audio recording, are available from Swaledale Festival.
