ONE of Richmond’s oldest choirs, Richmondshire Choral Society, has started rehearsals for Handel’s Messiah, one of the best loved choral works in the English repertoire, which will be performed on Saturday, May 13.

In addition to Monday night rehearsals, an open workshop day is planned for Saturday, January 28, at which anyone with an interest in singing this type of music will be welcome.

Singers will spend the day with choir director Edward Seymour and the members working on choruses from Messiah.

Mr Seymour, who took over a music director last year, hopes the opportunity will attract new members from teenagers upwards, without any expectation that they know the music.

Many people associate the work with Christmas, but after performing it in 2009 after an interval of 15 years, the society decided to sing it at springtime at intervals of at least four years.

Kathryn Haworth conducted the 2009 concert and Peter Collis held the baton in 2013. Both concerts were well reviewed and received standing ovations.

Mr Seymour took over as music director in April last year, having spent most of the previous year as acting MD to cover for his predecessor’s ill health. He has made a positive impact with his knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour.

Janet Hall, publicity officer, said: “At our last performance of Messiah in 2013 we had singers ranging in age from 14 to 100. We are looking forward to another performance and hope our singers will again cover a wide age range. "The recent rise in popularity of choral singing and its proven benefits to health and well-being are a great add-on, but in the end it’s Handel’s wonderful music that counts.”

Full details of the choir’s activities are at richchoral.org.uk or phone 01325 374112.