Following a popular and successful event in 2015, the Japan Society is delighted to present ‘Come and Sing’, a second Japan Society Choral Workshop led by Jonathan Gregory, Director of the UK-Japan Choir and Orchestra and Fellow of the Royal College of Organists.

The event is a fantastic opportunity for Japan Society members to meet and sing British and Japanese choral music in a relaxed environment. No particular musical ability is required; the workshop is suitable for both beginners and more experienced singers. Preparation will not be necessary, but for anyone who does wish to practice prior to the workshop, music can be sent out on request by email shortly before the event.

We will start with singing warm ups, including pitching and Japanese counting games, before tackling arrangements of traditional Japanese songs (written phonetically), and British madrigals such as John Dowland’s Fine Knacks for Ladies.

Jonathan Gregory founded the UK-Japan Music Society and UK-Japan Choir in 1992 to promote cross cultural understanding between Japan and Britain through music. In 2017 Jonathan created UK-Japan Consort to promote young professional musicians from Japan and UK to work together and support their early careers.

Currently Jonathan is an ABRSM examiner, working in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia regularly as well as in UK, and he is also an associate organist for London churches. Previously, he was organist at Leicester Cathedral, Great St Mary’s, Cambridge and Belfast Cathedral. He has worked extensively in Britain and Ireland, conducting the Bach passions, Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah, Britten’s War Requiem, also released a number of CDs and made BBC Radio 3 broadcasts.

Jonathan is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and a graduate of Clare College Cambridge where he was Organ Scholar. He was given the distinguished Honour of the Order of the Rising Sun by His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan in 2011.

To reserve your place, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk or submit the online booking form.

Members of the Japan Society and UK Japan Choir: £7 per head
Non Members: £10 for non-members

Book online here
Booking deadline: Thursday 21 February