THE University of York will mark World Voice Day with an interactive workshop exploring the science of choral singing, followed by live choral music at York Minster.

World Voice Day on Wednesday, 16 April is an annual global event designed to celebrate the incredible phenomenon, emotion and power of the voice, and demonstrate its importance for communication in our daily lives.

Open to all, the free workshop ‘The Secret Science of Choral Singing’ at the York Minster School will be run by Dr Helena Daffern from York’s Department of Electronics, who is Director of the York Centre for Singing Science.

Dr Daffern said: “Using modern technology and theoretical scientific principles, we will illustrate singing techniques that are used in the choral setting and look at questions such as: What is choral blend? What makes a ‘good’ choir? Is choral singing good for you? What does science have to do with singing?

“Images of the sounds will demonstrate the science behind the phenomena that are experienced when listening to or singing with a choir.”

Following the workshop, the Ebor Singers will perform Stainer's Crucifixion in the Quire of York Minster, providing workshop participants with an opportunity to hear live choral music.

The Secret Science of Choral Singing will take place at the Old School Hall, York Minster School, from 6-7pm. This will be followed by the service of Compline and Tenebrae with Stainer's Crucifixion in the Quire, York Minster at 7.30pm. The event is free but places for the workshop are limited. To book a ticket visit www.eventbrite.co.uk