Come and Sing
COME AND SING VAUGHAN WILLIAMS’ TOWARD THE UNKNOWN REGION
Saturday 14 November 2026
St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Pump Street, Worcester, WR1 2QT
Conductor: Stephen Shellard, Elgar Festival Chorus Master and Director Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir
Accompanist: Piers Maxim
This year the Elgar Festival is opening its doors to singers from all over the country for a day of rehearsals and informal performance of Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, ahead of its performance in the Elgar Festival Gala Concert on Saturday 5 June 2027. This friendly and fun learning day offers singers the chance to explore one of Britain’s much loved choral works in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, directed by Stephen Shellard.
For those who would like to take this experience further anyone taking part in the 2026 Come and Sing will also be welcome to join the Elgar Festival Chorus of 2027 to perform this and Szymanowski’s Veni Creator with a series of more intensive rehearsals planned in the new year.
Whether you’re a seasoned singer or returning after a break, come and explore this glorious music in a friendly, welcoming setting. Open to all voice parts with no audition required. Scores will be provided, or you’re welcome to bring your own copy.
SCORES/EXPERIENCE
Loan of a vocal score is included in the ticket price, but if you have your own you are very welcome to bring it – please indicate this on the form so we know for numbers.
Rehearsal parts can be downloaded from IMSLP here:
Toward the Unknown Region (Vaughan Williams, Ralph) – IMSLP
And you can watch and hear here: Vaughan Williams: Toward the Unknown Region – Radio Filharmonisch Orkest & Groot Omroepkoor – HD
Choral experience is not essential but an ability to read music would be helpful, and if you’re already familiar with the work then you’ll know what a great experience this will be!
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY
Session 1: 10.15am
Morning break: 11.30am
Session 2: 12pm
Lunch: 1.15pm
Session 3: 2pm
Afternoon break: 3.15pm
Informal performance to friends and family: 4pm
REFRESHMENTS
Free tea and coffee will be available during breaks. Please bring your own packed lunch or plan to eat nearby.
HOW TO FIND US
St Andrew’s is in a pedestrianised area just off Worcester High Street and near the Guildhall and Cathedral with full wheelchair access and a lift or stairs to all floors. There are several public car parks within a 5 min walk. Bus station and Foregate St train station are 15-20 mins walk
HOW TO BOOK
All places must be pre-booked. Closing date for applications is Mon 9 Nov 2026
Tickets: £20 (adults), including score hire, tea/coffee throughout the day
Under 18’s free but places still need to be booked and participants under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (also free, unless performing).
For any further enquiries please contact Helen outreach@elgarfestival.org