To fill the Town Hall with 700 voices — that’s the aim of Sheridan Edward, himself a professional singer. He’s mounting a bring-and-sing performance of Mozart’s Requiem, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support — Sheridan’s mother died of cancer last summer. Participants are asked to bring their own music, although copies will be available. And singers are very much required.

“We’re welcoming all standards — enthusiasm and energy are the main things,” Sheridan explained. “With a large choir, if you’re not the strongest of singers, it’s fine, because you’ll have plenty of support. The main thing is just coming along and having lots and lots of fun.

We want to make it as inclusive as possible, that’s why we’ve chosen a piece that hopefully most people know by ear even if they haven’t sung it before.”

Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the performance is the level of soloists involved — James Bowman, Giles Underwood, Bonaventura Bottone, and his daughter Rebecca (pictured) are all internationally famous. How on earth, I asked Sheridan, did he attract such class acts at reasonable fees?

“Basically they are all doing it for nothing, or an extremely reduced fee. I contacted James Bowman through Robin Wilson, who I know through doing Gilbert and Sullivan locally. As for the Bottones, I did a concert with Bonaventura’s daughter-in-law before Christmas, and through Bonaventura, I got Rebecca on board. With Giles, I know several students that he teaches. I wanted to retain a strong local connection, as the concert is a very much a celebration of the musical talent of Oxfordshire. James and Giles have strong local connections, while Rebecca is singing at Garsington Opera this summer.”

The concert is on Saturday, June 5. Tickets for participation and audience are available from Tickets Oxford: 01865 305305 or www.ticketsoxford.com For further information contact Sheridan Edward at info@voicesofoxford.com or on 07720 052572.