Malvern Festival Chorus has used technology to keep the joy of song alive, during the Covid crisis. This time last year, its members and musical director, Jonathan Brown, were gearing up to celebrate their Centenary Season with a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in Worcester Cathedral, in March 2020, but this had to be postponed. However, the music did not stop, despite the pandemic.

Chairman, Dr Kevin Ilsley, said: “There is more and more evidence of the beneficial effect music has on the wellbeing, both physical and mental, of people of all ages whether listening or participating. So we were determined to use whatever technology was available to keep the choir meeting and singing together, virtually.”

The choir’s first venture was a video recording of Mozart’s ever-popular motet, Ave Verum.

Mr Ilsley said: Although the technological wizardry required was daunting, members thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the result is a lovely and moving souvenir of perhaps the strangest times the choir has been through in its 100 year history.Subsequently, many choir members have been coming together each week on Zoom, to practise the works they are hoping to perform in 2021.”