Open Workshop – Ein deutsches Requiem

ST MARY’S CHURCH, HIGH RD, SOUTH WOODFORD E18 2PA  SEE MAP BELOW

Spend the day singing Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) 1868 Brahms gave the title Ein deutches Requiem to this unique work that sets not the well-known Latin texts of the Requiem Mass but rather a selection of verses from both Old and New Testaments from Luther’s groundbreaking 1534 translation of the bible. The texts chosen by Brahms focus on those who are living, emphasising hope, serenity and comfort for the bereaved. At the instigation of his publishers, Brahms made a transcription for piano duet which remains popular today.

Valentine Singers, with pianists Tim Smith and Leo Nicholson, will perform Brahms ‘Ein deutsches Requiem’ at St Mary’s, S. Woodford on Saturday 4 July. Details available at the workshop for anyone interested in taking part.

Please note: advance enrolment is essential – see Enrolment information below.

WHEN? Saturday 25 April 2026 Doors open at 10am for coffee and registration; workshop 10.30am-4.30pm.
WHO? Anyone who enjoys choral singing or would like to sample the experience of singing with a large chorus is invited to join Valentine Singers for the day. Observers are also welcome. The day will be led by the choir’s musical director Christine Gwynn with pianist Paul Chilvers. Young people of senior school age and over are welcome to join us; anyone younger than 18 will need written parental consent (see enrolment form).
INCLUDED: loan for the day of a vocal score, Peters edition, plus tea and coffee at the registration and at all breaks.
BRING Food for lunch time (or there are local cafes and shops selling sandwiches etc) and a bottle of water.
HOW MUCH? £30. Special £15 rate for full-time students/school-children/benefit-holders (e.g. unemployment or disability benefits).

Travel
St Mary’s Church is on the High Road linking South Woodford and Woodford – see map below.
Nearest tube: South Woodford, Central Line (c.10-15mins up-hill walk, or short bus ride W14 from stop SJ or W13 from stop SU on Hermon Hill).  Also 179 bus from Chingford Station, Liverpool St Line.
Various parking options include free public car park in Derby Rd (7 mins walk) see map below.

Enrolment
To ensure sufficient resources, including music copies, advance enrolment is essential.
For online applications,
please enrol  here  for standard price enrolment (£30)
please enrol here for student/benefit holder enrolment (£15).

Payment is via the online payments platform Stripe; you should find a receipt in your inbox (this can be slow) to confirm payment and your place on the workshop.  The choir admin will then be in touch with you to gather a few more details.

If you would prefer to apply by post, please download, complete and return this form.