Friendlyand fun

Jarquin comes from Mexico. He has conducted the Orchestra and Choir of Radio Netherlands, Paris Symphonic Orchestra, Spanish National Symphony Orchestra, Cairo Opera Orchestra and Choir and the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra.

Under his leadership, the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus reached the final stages of the 2008 BBC choral competition Last Choir Standing.

He is a member of Brighton’s Prodigal Theatre Company and is currently touring through England and Ireland with Caruso And The Quake, a one-man show based on Enrico Caruso and his escape from the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

Spokeswoman Joan Hester said: “The rehearsals will include some in-depth vocal work which will help you to find your voice and make a better sound. No audition is necessary, just the ability to read music and sing in tune.

“This is the start of a new venture. If the chorus gathers momentum, it will lead onto other things.

“It will be friendly and fun, though it will involve some work on the music at home to achieve a reasonable standard. We will include some trips to the pub for lunch after rehearsals. The two works we have chosen are of moderate difficulty and are in contrasting styles.”

The first is Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramírez, a folk mass based on the rhythms and traditions of Hispanic America, sung in Spanish, with tenor soloist(s) and accompanied by percussion, piano and guitar. The second is Magnificat by John Rutter, one of his best-loved works, for chorus and soprano soloist, sung in Latin.

Rehearsals will take place at Ripe Church, East Sussex (near Lewes), on Saturday mornings, 10-12.45 starting on Saturday March 12, March 19, April 2, April 9, April 16, and April 30 from 2.30-5. Performance will be on April 30 at 7.30. If you would like to participate, contact Dr Hester on 01825 872279 on [email protected].