AN international, award-winning music group is heading to the county in the spring for a special performance with a Cumbrian choir.

British A Cappella quintet Apollo5 are returning to Cumbria for a special workshop before their performance with community choir Middle Eden Voices.

Middle Eden Voices, based in Appleby, first hosted a workshop and concert with Apollo5 in April 2018, to start their 10th anniversary year of celebrations.

The event proved so popular they invited the group back for a new workshop and concert in April.

The Cumbrian workshop is open to any individual or group who would like to develop their singing and enjoy working with a professional, world-class, vocal group.

Listeners from national radio station Classic FM voted Apollo5 as the Best Classical Music Education Initiative at The Music Teacher Awards in 2018.

The workshop will take place at Penrith Methodist Church on Saturday, April 25.

Apollo5 is part of the VCM Foundation, with a commitment to providing inspiring musical opportunities for young people at their base at the Gresham Centre, London. Their workshop and performance in Penrith will give the same opportunity to people of all ages and musical abilities.

The vocal quintet gives performances from an extensive repertoire of classical, folk, jazz, and pop around the world.

Middle Eden Voices founder and conductor, Barbara Gilbertson said: “Everyone who took part in the first workshop and concert wanted to sing again with Apollo5 - and they enjoyed their visit to Cumbria so much they said they wanted to come back too.

“Their workshops are so inspiring, and it was amazing how much we achieved in one workshop with them. Plus, their concert performance was terrific.

“Having Apollo5 run the workshop is an excellent opportunity for local singers and choirs to enjoy and benefit from, without having to travel out of Cumbria.

“The group have been featured on BBC Radio 2 and Classic FM as well as performing in St Martin-in-the-Fields, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Houses of Parliament. They have recently been touring across America and playing the Festival La Folle Journée, France.

“We are so pleased they have been able to fit a return visit to Eden in their busy schedule and give us an opportunity to hearing and singing with them.”

Places are available for the workshop with Apollo5 at Penrith Methodists Church from 2.30pm to 5pm on April 25. Tickets for the singing workshop are £14. Tickets for the Apollo5 concert at 7.30 pm at Penrith Methodist Church, are £14 and available from Lakeside Music in Penrith, Appleby Tourist Information Centre, or on 017683 52851 or online via Eventbrite (plus booking fee) for workshop tickets http://bit.ly/2TgwPfnand concert ticket http://bit.ly/2NlvHTQ.