SINGERS from far and wide took up the open invitation to join in Haslemere Musical Society’s annual ‘Come and Sing’ event in St Christopher’s Church..

Choral director Cole Bendall conducted the packed church for the afternoon rehearsals, followed by the evening performance of John Rutter’s Requiem to an appreciative audience.

Composer and Haslemere parish musical director Clive Osgood acted as accompanist and the impromptu chorus sang along to the society’s orchestra.

A further highlight of the concert was a solo by soprano Louise Thomas and an oboe solo by Claire Manning.

Society spokesman Martin Robson said: “After Cole’s signature, high energy warm-up, the chorus was all set. As they met the gorgeous ‘Requiem Aeterna’ in the first movement, singers already felt confident about performing this work.

“Many said that this opportunity to sing with an orchestra and learn from each other, is the real attraction of these events.

“After more reinforcement with cake, a sparkling performance of the now-polished piece was presented to an appreciative audience.”

The society is performing Delius, Elgar and Britten at 7.30pm on March 7 in Haslemere Hall. See www.haslemerehall.co.uk

* See Feb 13 Haslemere Herald for more pictures