Choral singers from across the West Midlands are invited to join Birmingham Bach Choir for their annual Come And Sing! workshop on Saturday 31 January 2026.
Taking place at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham, the afternoon activity sees the internationally acclaimed choir explore Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang (Hymn Of Praise), led by conductor Paul Spicer.
The session is then followed by an informal free performance of the work by choir and guests accompanied by organist Paul Carr (Organist and Associate Director of Music at St Chad’s, Birmingham), and soloists Isaac Boulter (tenor) and Corinna Gregory (soprano) – for which friends and family are welcome to attend.
Born in 1809, Felix Mendelssohn is one of the great composers of the early Romantic period. Having enjoyed early success in Germany, he travelled through Europe, including making ten successful visits to Britain where he sealed his reputation. Prolific from an early age, amongst his most famous works are Elijah (which was premiered in Birmingham) and the enduring Wedding March.
Written in 1840, Lobgesang also received it’s British premiere in Birmingham during the same year, and quickly went on to become one of Mendelssohn’s most popular pieces.
For the workshop, singers will focus on the cantata section of Mendelssohn’s symphony-cantata, and singing in English, for which the composer assembled passages from Luther’s translation of the Bible that follow the progression of light to darkness.
Philip Bellshaw, Birmingham Bach Choir’s Chair, said: “Come And Sing! is a great opportunity to rehearse and sing with not just one of the leading choirs in the Midlands, but also one of the UK’s most respected Musical Directors and conductors, Paul Spicer.”
On Mendelssohn’s work, Philip adds: “With fabulous choruses, soprano and tenor solos, and the familiar Now Thank We All Our God, this will be a rewarding sing for all who join us.”
Come And Sing! Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise) is on Saturday 31 January 2026 at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HT. Tickets for singers are £25 (+ booking fee), which includes music hire, plus tea and homemade cakes. For more information, see: www.birmingham.bachchoir.com
LISTINGS
Suggested sections: Workshops
Saturday 31 January 2026
Birmingham Bach Choir: Come And Sing! Mendelssohn’s Lobgesang (Hymn of Praise)
An afternoon workshop led by conductor Paul Spicer, followed by an informal performance.
Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HT
2pm
£25 (+ booking fee); includes music hire.
Details: birmingham.bachchoir.com
NB. Suitable for singers who can read music.
For all enquiries, please email: tickets@birmingham.bachchoir.com
Paul Spicer: conductor
Birmingham Bach Choir
Paul Carr: organist
Soloists: Isaac Boulter (tenor) and Corinna Gregory (soprano).
ABOUT BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR
As one of the UK’s leading large chamber choirs, Birmingham Bach Choir has been contributing to the musical life of the West Midlands since 1919, making it one of the longest established musical groups in the area. Although the main focus is the Baroque period (especially JS Bach), the choir performs music spanning 600 years, including 20th and 21st century works, and has premiered many new choral works.
2019 was the choir’s centenary, a year which saw them make a series of special appearances, including a Gala Concert at Lichfield Cathedral and a performance for Royalty. Meanwhile, the 2022-2023 Season marked Conductor Paul Spicer’s 30th anniversary with the choir and included the first West Midlands performance of Rachmaninoff’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in Liturgical Slavonic in living memory.
Social Media:
facebook.com/Birmingham-Bach-Choir-307760255351/
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3.30pm FREE ENTRY
[More details]
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