Come and Sing - Ola Gjeilo Sunrise Mass

Name: Come and Sing - Ola Gjeilo Sunrise Mass
Start: 2026-09-19T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-19T10:00:00+01:00
Location: Helensburgh Parish Church

About

Join us for an unforgettable day of music-making at our Come and Sing event featuring Ola Gjeilo's compelling Sunrise Mass. Led by Susannah Wapshott, Chorus Director for Scottish Opera and Music Director of Helensburgh Oratorio Choir, you'll master the full complex structure of this contemporary work. Working under Susannah's expert guidance, you'll discover how a room full of singers can transform from individual voices into a concert-ready ensemble—all in a single day. Whether you're an experienced singer or simply enjoy singing with others, this is a rare opportunity to create something truly special together. Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and part of something exceptional.

For those who are new to choral singing, or who find themselves unable to attend a full day, there is also an opportunity to join the fun for one movement only. The final movement of the Sunrise Mass is less structurally complex, making it an ideal taster for those who want to sing but aren’t quite ready to attack a full work. Equally it's a nice fun movement for seasoned singers to jump into if you are only free for the afternoon.

In the words of Gjeilo, the final movement “is the culmination of the Mass, and it’s called The Ground because I wanted to convey a sense of having ‘arrived’ at the end of the Mass; to have reached a kind of peace and grounded strength after the long journey of the Mass, having gone through a lot of different emotional landscapes”.

There will be an informal performance of the work at the end of the come and sing for anyone who wishes to watch the performance but is unable to or does not wish to take part in the singing itself.

We would recommend purchasing a score of your own in advance to familiarise yourself before hand and keep after as a memento to remember the event. However, there will be a limited number of scores to hire on the day for a small additional fee on the day. Please let us know in advance if you intend to use a hire score no later than the 5th of September.

Tickets, timings and pricing will be shown below for performers and audience members. Please select the appropriate ticket when making your final selection.

PERFORMERS
Full Day Performer, 10am until 5pm - £35
Taster Session Performer, 3pm until 5pm - £5
Under 26's Performer, 10am until 5pm - £10
School Age Performer, 10am until 5pm - Free

AUDIENCE MEMBERS
Audience members, 4pm until 5pm - £5
Under 26's Audience, 4pm until 5pm - Free