Three sixth formers from a Evesham school will take part in a historic concert nearly three-and-a-half years after first starting rehearsals for it.

Sopranos Abi Roberts and Eva Duberley and tenor Eddie Ferris, from Prince Henry’s School, will perform Brahms’ “German Requiem” with Pershore Choral this May.

It comes as the concert was originally cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Abi, Eva and Eddie Ferris, who are all aged 17, joined the choir under an apprenticeship scheme which was set up in 2019.

It was an attempt to interest a new, younger generation from the Vale of Evesham in the music of great composers like Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Handel and Sir Edward Elgar.

“I think this must be the Worcestershire all comers record for a concert gestation period and we are very much looking forward to performing this fine work at last,” said Paul Clarke, chairman of the choir.

The scheme enables the new recruits to sing alongside experienced members of the choir both in rehearsals and during concerts in the magnificent setting of Pershore Abbey.

“It is a struggle for all choral societies to attract younger members, but it is vitally important that we do so because they are the future and, without them, the inevitable outcome would be the end of choral singing,” said long-time choir member and former chairman, Ron Haden.

“Participating in any live music and singing is a wonderful experience, but we believe that nothing can match the sound and exhilaration of being part of a large choir which performs some of the most wonderful choral music ever written.” 

Abi, who is studying BTEC music, drama and health and social care, said:“I have enjoyed meeting different people involved in Pershore Choral and singing with them

“The most challenging thing was sight reading Brahms Requiem when I first joined.

“Now I am looking forward to performing the concert in the Abbey.”

The performance is to go ahead in the Abbey on May 13 starting at 7.30pm. 

Tickets are available from Anne Howells on 01905 770557 and anne.horsellhowells@gmail.com 

They can also be obtained from Blue at 18, Broad Street, Pershore.