MEMBERS of a Chester choir are inviting music lovers to sing with them at an event with a distinctly Italian flavour that celebrates the music and songs of one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular Savoy Operas.

"Come and Sing Gilbert and Sullivan's Gondoliers" is being staged by Chester Bach Singers on Saturday, May 11, at St Mary's Creative Space in Chester.

The half-day workshop starts at 1pm, finishing at about 5.30pm.

The event will feature members of the Chester Bach Singers in full costume as the main characters, with those who sign up for the workshop being given the chance to join the chorus of contadine and gondoliers, followed by taking part in a full performance of the rehearsed songs at the end.

The workshop will be run by conductor Martin Bussey with Catherine Barnett accompanying on the piano. Anyone interested in attending the workshop should be able to sight read music.

Chester and District Standard:

Conductor Martin Bussey and Chester Bach Singers are holding a special Gilbert And Sullivan Workshop and performance at St Mary's Creative Space

The Gondoliers (or The King of Barataria) with music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W. S. Gilbert premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London on December 7, 1889, and ran for a very successful 554 performances (at that time the fifth longest-running piece of musical theatre in history), closing on June 30, 1891.

It was the twelfth comic opera collaboration of fourteen between the famous pair and is ranked amongst their most popular and most performed operas.

Nicola Stewart, of Chester Bach Singers, said: "If you love G&S, as so many of us do, come along. If you aren't sure what it's all about, try coming along for a cracking good sing and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. Perhaps by the end of the day you'll agree that it is indeed "a tale so free from every doubt, all probable, possible shadow of doubt - all possible doubt whatever! If you're not a singer, you can also join us for the performance only, preceded by tea and Chester Bach Singers' famous home-made cake."

Continuing with the Italian theme, Chester Bach Singers will be staging Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 alongside soloists from the Fieri Consort, accompanied by The Eighteenth Century Sinfonia with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble at Chester Cathedral on Saturday, June 8. at 7.30pm.

Tickets are now on sale via the Cathedral Box Office, choir members and will also be available on the door.

Full details of the Gilbert And Sullivan Workshop and the Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 and how to book for both events can be found www.chesterbachsingers.org.uk