Join a choir of 350 voices for a truly unforgettable celebration as we unleash the magnificent sound of Bristol Beacon’s newly restored Britton Organ in its 70th anniversary year! Together we’ll explore Fauré’s Requiem and other choral organ masterpieces in a day of joyful music-making.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience up-close the awe-inspiring sound of the Britton Organ, which guarantees to move you with its deep rumbles and soaring melodies.
Set in the glorious Beacon Hall, this is your chance to perform on stage alongside professional soloists and be among the first to raise your voice with our stunning new organ in full splendour. No prior experience with the music is needed: everyone is welcome. Just bring your enthusiasm and love of music!
The day culminates in a relaxed celebratory concert performance in Beacon Hall,
Rehearsal tracks are available below to help you familiarise yourselves with your part and the more you can prepare before the day the more you will enjoy being part of a massed choir singing their hearts out.
All music will be provided. If you would like to bring you own, please do so.
The full repertoire will include:
- Fauré’s Requiem (Requiem in D Minor, Op. 48)
- ‘Sing’ from Toccata, Organ Symphony No. 5, Charles Marie-Widor, arr. David Willcocks
- Messe Solennelle Op.15, Louis Vierne
- Toccata in G Major, Théodore Dubois
For more information about the Britton Organ, click the link below:
Presented by Bristol Beacon
Age: 14+
Please note that under 18s must have an accompanying adult present. The accompanying adult does not have to participate.
Workshop times
Start: 09.00
Finish: 16.30
Concert: 18.00 – 19.00
All timings are approximate and subject to change
One of the best experiences of my life. It took me out of my comfort zone and was the most helpful, enthusiastic and enjoyable experience possible.
Participant, Massive Musicals Workshop
Workshop prices
This workshop includes accessible pricing for under 18s.
Full price £72.80 incl. booking fee
Under 18s £28.00 incl. booking fee
As well as covering the cost of putting on this event, all proceeds from your ticket will support Bristol Beacon’s Community Music Programme. By purchasing a ticket to this event you are supporting our work bringing the joy of music to communities across Bristol.
Thank you, we can’t wait to see you for a really fun day.
Participant information
An information form for you to complete will be sent via email after you have booked. This form will help us prepare for the event and ensure we can accommodate all levels of experience and needs.
Rehearsal tracks
Please find below rehearsal tracks for Fauré’s Requiem. The other music will be taught on the day.
Watch the performance
Choral
Classical
Community
Massive Sound – Fauré’s Requiem Concert
A Singing Celebration of the Britton Organ, conducted by David Ogden
Creative Team
Claire Alsop (Musical Director & Arranger)
Claire Alsop is a Bristol-based musician who combines a busy performance career with educational work in Bristol and beyond. Equally at home in a musical theatre pit, or an organ-loft, she is Organist of St Mary Redcliffe Church, and other recent performance venues have included Bristol Hippodrome, the Gillian Lynne theatre in London’s west-end, several cathedrals in northern Spain, The Queen’s College in Oxford, and the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. As an educator, Claire teaches at Bristol University, and frequently collaborates with Bristol Beacon creating musical resources for their educational outreach and arrangements for massed singing events.
David Ogden (Conductor)
David Ogden (b.1966) is a professional conductor and composer based in Bristol. He conducts the vocal ensemble Celestia, Exultate Singers, City of Bristol Choir, workplace choirs at Airbus, Arval and Triodos Bank and in his post of Head of the Bristol Choral Centre, he directs the 140 strong Bristol Youth Choir in association with Bristol Music Trust. He has also been Director of Music at Holy Trinity Church, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol where for 22 years he has directed three choirs of young people and adults as part of the church’s active music programme. For over thirty years he has worked with numerous professional and amateur groups of all shapes and sizes in many fields of music making, including church music, concerts, musical theatre and opera, community projects, primary and secondary level educational workshops, from small children’s groups to large orchestral ensembles including the Bristol Ensemble, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Bath Philharmonia.
Soloists
Charlotte Newstead combines a varied musical career as a concert soprano, singing teacher and music educator. Based in Bristol, her teaching practice welcomes singers at every stage of their journey, from nervous beginners to experienced performers. She believes passionately that, with the right support, anyone can learn to sing.
Alongside her one-to-one teaching, Charlotte also runs a range of online adult learning classes in music appreciation, designed to make classical music engaging and accessible for all — from seasoned concert-goers to curious newcomers.
About Beacon Hall
Our new flagship venue at Bristol Beacon
View Beacon Hall
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View Beacon Hall
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Seating plans
Seating plans
Beacon Hall has three levels that can be used in a seated or standing format. View seating plans, auditorium entrances and exits and accessible viewing areas.
Venue information
Venue information
Take a closer look at our beautifully restored venue, see what’s on and view detailed information about the performance space.
The venue
Beacon Hall
at Bristol Beacon
Getting to the venue
Location: Beacon Hall is located within Bristol Beacon. Head to Level 1 and follow signs to find the auditorium.
Address: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
Bicycle
Bicycle racks can be found in front of the main entrance on Trenchard Street, Colston Street, and on the city centre promenade. Find your nearest cycle routes using Cycle Planner.
Car parking
Trenchard Street multi-storey car park is 200m away, directly behind Bristol Beacon.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Beacon is inside the Bristol Clean Air Zone. Check if your vehicle will be charged and how much you’ll have to pay.
Bus
Most bus services stop in and around the city centre promenade, 250m from Bristol Beacon.
Access
Mobility
Spaces for wheelchair users are in:
- row S in the centre of the rear Stalls (10 spaces)
- row Z in the left and right wings at the back of Lower Tier (4 spaces, 2 on each side),
- row Z on the right only at the back of Upper Tier (2 spaces)
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs and emotional support animals are allowed in the performance space. Seats in row F are most suitable. If you prefer, you can leave your animal with a member of staff during the performance.
Hearing Facility
A Sennheiser MobileConnect assistive listening system is installed in the venue. Download the free App and use your own mobile device and headphones to listen to the performance. (Devices are available on request.)
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink
We’ve got plenty of places for you to relax and refill. From coffee and cake, to delicious sharing boards, to full menus.
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