On Saturday, October 17 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir will be running a singing day led by Exeter Festival Chorus conductor, Andrea Brown.

The day will be held at Woolwell Community Centre, Darklake Lane, Woolwell Plymouth.

The day will feature John Rutter’s Magnificat (1990), a modern, seven-movement work which is based on the canticle of the Virgin Mary.

In countries such as Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico, feast days of the Virgin are joyous opportunities for people to take to the streets and celebrate with singing, dancing and processions.

These outdoor celebration formed a backdrop for John Rutter’s interpretation of the words of St. Luke’s Gospel.

The work describes Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth after learning that she is to be the mother of Christ.

The work is vibrant, energetic and dance-like and should provide a highly enjoyable basis for the singing day.

Andrea Brown is renowned as a leading UK choral conductor and will facilitate the day.

The singing day will run from 9.30am with an informal performance of the work to conclude the day by approximately 4pm.

Singers interested in joining Plymouth Philharmonic Choir members for the day should contact the choir on 07816230173, visit the Choir website to download a booking form or visit WeGotTickets to book.

Founded in 1970, their around 160 members perform a variety of music in Plymouth and elsewhere in the country and abroad.

They have won widespread acclaim and concerts often include world-class soloists and musicians.

They are in the top 10 per cent of amateur choirs in the UK.

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir performs three large-scale classical choral concerts a year, usually accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

Concerts also feature leading soloists which have included Catherine Hamilton, Sir Thomas Allen, Darren Jeffery and Neil Jenkins.

Further information about Plymouth Philharmonic Choir can be found on the choir’s website https://www.plymouthphilchoir.org or Facebook page.