THE Isle of Man Choral Society is holding a Community Choral Weekend at the Villa Marina starting on Friday (July 23).

It will be led by Tone Bianca Dahl, professor of choral conducting at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.

It will involve a series of workshops over the weekend which are open to anyone who has an interest in singing with a large group of people.

Conductor Julian Power said: "Whilst the event is organised by the Isle of Man Choral Society it is open to anybody whether or not they currently sing in a group or not or whether they have ever sung in public."

The event has been made possible by a generous grant from the BBC Performing Arts Fund and support from the Isle of Man Arts Council.

There are already more than 130 people registered for the workshops from teenagers to people in their 80s including four Cleveland medalists.

Registration for the event is still available through the society’s Website www.choral.im or by ringing 437751.

The Friday evening workshop will be held in the Villa Marina Arcade starting at 7.30pm and there will be workshops on Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday afternoon.

To finish off the weekend there will be a free workshop concert in the Villa's Royal Hall at 7.30pm, everyone welcome.

Michael Morrison, project co-ordinator, said: "Participants can either attend one or all of the workshops - all that is required is a £10 registration fee covering the cost of the music which is provided. There is no fee for people in full-time education."

 
A wide variety of music will be sung at the workshops including traditional choral music, Manx folksongs and popular 20th Century pieces.