'Scratch choir' to join Stornoway at hometown Oxford concert

Dave Gilyeat South of England John Bullock Stornoway will launch their fifth album Beyonder at the Sheldonian Theatre. An indie folk band are planning to perform with what would be the largest impromptu choir assembled in Oxford for their album launch. A 'scratch choir' of volunteers will undergo a workshop hours ahead of the gig to learn how to sing alongside the Oxford trio in four-part harmony. Bassist Oli Steadman told the BBC the band wanted to 'make something truly unique about the experience for the fans'. Stornoway play the historic venue in September. They were backed by the Syrinx Choir at their 20th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in March, arranged by choir leader Ben See. See will run a two-hour workshop open to singers of all abilities in preparation for the show on 27 September at the Sheldonian Theatre. There is no requirement for volunteers to have choir experience or to be able to read music. The choir can be of any size, as long as it fits within the 750-capacity audience. Steadman said it would give fans 'that experience of being part of the band'. He expressed excitement about the tradition of choral music being central to Stornoway's work. Anyone interested can sign up on the band's website. The band has played the Sheldonian four times through its community engagement scheme. Stornoway formed in 2005 and had their first radio play on BBC Radio Oxford the following year. Their debut album Beachcomber's Windowsill was released in 2009, marking their first performance at the Sheldonian. Steadman noted that no pop or folk band had previously performed there. Beyonder is released on 25 September, with a 14-date UK tour beginning in October.