Open Workshop – Vierne

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

Vierne composed his rich and thrilling Messe Solennelle in 1899, setting the mass text, minus credo, for choir and two organs. For obvious practical reasons, arrangements of the mass for choir and one organ have since been published. The mass was premiered in 1900 at Saint-Sulpice, in Paris, with Widor and Vierne playing the glorious organ parts. By this time Vierne had become organist of Notre-Dame where he remained in post until his death in 1937.

Valentine Singers, with organist Jonathan Dods, will perform Vierne’s Messe Solennelle, together with David Briggs‘ Messe pour Notre–Dame, at St Gabriel’s Church, Aldersbrook on Saturday 15 March 2025.  

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

WHEN? Saturday 18 January 2025 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 Tim Smith. 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).
PROVIDED (no extra charge) a score to keep 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? £25. Special £11 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 (£25)
please enrol here for student/benefit holder enrolment (£11).

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.