Since singing is so good a thing, I wish all men would learn to sing.’ William Byrd. On Saturday, June 5, Oxford Town Hall will be filled with the voices of 700 singers from around Oxfordshire, coming together to perform Mozart’s Requiem with the aim of raising £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Voices of Oxford are looking for singers to form the 700-strong choir. It is open to singers of all backgrounds and abilities from Oxfordshire and further afield. All that’s required is enthusiasm . . . . and a pencil.

The concert will be conducted by David Lawrence, one of the UK’s most versatile choral conductors. David’s current posts include Associate Conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and Choir Leader of the City of Birmingham Young Voices. David also holds the Guinness World Record for conducting the UK’s largest choir – more than 8,000 singers!

Voices of Oxford was established by Sheridan Edward following the death of his mother from cancer in the summer 2009. Sheridan said: “After she was diagnosed in January 2009, my mother Julie organised a bring and sing of Vivaldi’s Gloria with her local choral society for a charity for children with special needs. Despite being gravely ill and undergoing treatment at the time, she was able to sing in the concert.”

Julie’s cancer progressed rapidly and she died four months later at the age of 56. During her illness, she and her family received tremendous support from nurses, doctors, Macmillan nurses, district nurses, occupational therapists and paramedics, and it is to their work, and Julie, that this project is dedicated.

Sheridan Edward, who is also the event organiser, said: “The concert is not only a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a fantastic cause; it is also a celebration of the wealth of music-making and strong choral history of Oxfordshire.

“I would encourage singers of all backgrounds and abilities to come and take part.”

Julian Knowles, fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people living with cancer. I am delighted Sheridan has chosen to support us in such a harmonious way!

“This will help Macmillan to continue to fund our vital services, and help even more families across Oxfordshire.”

For further information please contact: Sheridan Edward, producer, at info@voicesofoxford.com or 07720 052 572. Tickets are available from TicketsOxford, www.ticketsoxford.com or 01865 305305.

Voices of Oxford is an independent not-for-profit group, working on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.