One of Chester's top choirs is inviting local singers to a workshop led by one of the UK's leading composers of contemporary choral music.

The workshop will take place at St Mary's Without-the Walls Church, Handbridge, on Saturday 31 January between 11:30am and 6:00pm.

Chester Bach Singers will also hold an open rehearsal to welcome potential new members. 

Entitled "All Will Be Well", the event will be led by acclaimed composer Will Todd, whose works include contemporary choral music, carols and operas.

Complimentary refreshments for participants will also be available throughout the day. 

Will Todd taught himself the piano from an early age and grew up in County Durham. His early musical journey began with the Durham County Music Service and St Oswald's Choir in Durham.

The composer has worked with many of the UK's leading music organisations, including The Royal Ballet and Opera, Welsh National Opera, Opera North, The Hallé Orchestra, Opera Holland Park, The Sixteen, Tenebrae, The BBC Singers and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

He has also performed and directed his music internationally as well as working all over the UK with professional and amateur choirs as well as young singers.

"On my singing days, I like to blend improvisation exercises and fun warm-ups, alongside looking at a wide range of my choral material, he said.

"I love working with singers of all abilities to ensure that the day is an enjoyable experience for everyone."

With Chester Bach Singers keen to hear from potential new members, an open rehearsal will also be held on Wednesday 21 January, from 7.15pm at the Wesley Church Centre.

Attendees can register their interest via the Chester Bach Singers website. 

Helen Crich, chair of Chester Bach Singers, added: "For those who may not have sung much of Will's music before, we offer the chance to learn and perform his Jazz Missa Brevis and for those who may already be more familiar with his style, we have a wide variety of shorter works from his Songs of Peace, Footprints Suite, and the whimsical Kites, Cards, and Constellations.

"We are also looking forward to welcoming potential new recruits to our open rehearsal. If you love singing and are looking for a new challenge in 2026, why not come and join us."

Full details of Chester Bach Singers choral workshop with Will Todd and the open rehearsal can be found here, where places can be reserved online.