The BBC recently joined Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus in Sheffield and London to record their preparations for a tour with one of Belgium’s leading orchestras. The programme broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 at 9.30AM, on Monday 26th August.

BBC Radio 4 have been behind the scenes with the Chorus as part of their music series ‘How to Play’. The programme gives listeners insights into the rehearsal process before a concert.

Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus joined the Flanders Symphony Orchestra and their award-winning Music Director, Kristiina Poska to perform Mozart’s Requiem in three concerts across the UK earlier this summer. As well as the Sheffield City Hall concert on 22^nd June, the Chorus joined the Belgian orchestra at London’s Cadogan Hall and the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. Actor (and Chorus patron) Sam West said of the London concert “Terrific Mozart Requiem from Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus at Cadogan Hall tonight. Never heard them in better voice. I am a very proud Patron.“

During two rehearsals ahead of the concerts, the BBC recorded interviews with chorus members, orchestral players, and the conductor to learn about how the musicians shape the performance.

Chorus Chair Joanne Briddock said “It was an honour to be invited to take part in the programme – especially in such illustrious company. We can’t wait to hear the broadcast on BBC Radio 4”.

The Chorus’s Musical Director Darius Battiwalla said “Concertgoers may not be aware that the chorus often only rehearses with the orchestral conductor once or twice before a concert. My role is to prepare the chorus in the weeks beforehand by conveying the conductor’s vision for the performance. This recording shines a light on part of that process.”

Tenor singer Ranjan Sen said “It was not only a pleasure to speak to BBC radio, but also an eye-opener. Their expert questioning really raised a mirror to our rehearsal process. They delved into what Mozart’s remarkable Requiem means to us, a piece many of us first encountered in the 1984 film Amadeus.”

Chorus member Rosalind Hobson said “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk about what it’s like, as an amateur, to sing in a large choir, perform with world class musicians and hopefully inspire others to seek out similar experiences”.

Chorus member Steve Terry commented “Although many of us have sung the very moving and beautiful Mozart Requiem before, each performance is a new experience, and understanding precisely what a new conductor wants from us is always a challenge, but immensely rewarding.”

Previous ‘How to Play’ programmes have focussed on The Hallé, the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

The programme will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 9.30am, on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August. The Chorus will perform music by French composter Lili Boulanger in their next concert with the Hallé in Sheffield City Hall on 15 November.