AMATEUR singers are being offered the chance to take part in a massed concert in one of Oxford’s most famous buildings.

The fifth annual Come and Sing event takes place at the Sheldonian Theatre, in Broad Street, on February 13.

This year’s concert, a performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, is expected to raise more than £7,000 for the Art Room, an educational charity based at Oxford School, in Glanville Road.

The Art Room helps children who need time away from mainstream school.

Over the past four years the event has raised more than £25,000 for the charity.

Concert organiser Leonora Pitt said: “It’s a big task to put it all together, but it’s nice when people come along and join in.

“The audience enjoy it as much as the singers.”

Mrs Pitt added: “The immediacy of everyone coming together and working extremely intensely means the atmosphere is absolutely electric.”

The theatre can cater for about 220 performers, and 190 have already signed up.

All the women’s singing parts are taken.

But there are still a few spaces left for bass singers, and lots of opportunities for tenors.

Mrs Pitt said: “We would really like to have it absolutely full because it should be a huge, triumphant celebration.”

Singers of all abilities, provided they can read music, are invited to take part.

They will spend a day of intensive rehearsals at the Sheldonian with conductor Robert Dean before the performance.

Professional soloists will take the lead parts but the rest of the choir is made up of volunteers.

Singers pay £20 (£15 for concessions), to take part.

Audience tickets cost £10 or £7.50 for concessions.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk