On Saturday, October 16, Magdalen College will host a Come and Sing day conducted by one of Britain’s foremost choral composers and conductors, John Rutter (right). Singers will be taken through Rutter’s own Requiem, plus “a mixture of choral gems old and new, with a few surprises”.

The day is the brainchild of Daniel Hyde, director of Magdalen College Choir, and is in aid of the Marfan Trust, which supports research into Marfan syndrome.

“Marfan syndrome affects the connective tissue to do with the aorta leading into the heart,” Dan explained. “The aorta effectively expands, and if that goes too far it will burst. That’s normally curtains unless it’s caught in time.

“The reason why the Marfan Trust is coming to Oxford to have this fundraising singing day is because I myself have Marfan syndrome. It’s a genetic condition: my grandfather and father both died from it. I had corrective surgery, which I’m very grateful for. So it’s something I do a lot for when I can.”

No particular vocal standard is required for the singing day, Dan assured me: “Anyone is welcome. It’s very good to bring this kind of music-making to the college, and to the chapel.”

Although John Rutter is conducting, Dan will also be taking part, before he reverts to his traditional role of preparing Evensong.

“I’ll just be playing the piano for John, and doing whatever he needs. But once Come and Sing is finished, if people want to observe the rehearsal prior to Evensong, they’ll be very welcome. The day might not just attract singers, but also choral directors who want to see John Rutter at work, and in addition see me doing my thing!”

The day will start at 10.30am (registration at 9.45am), and finish at 3.30pm. Evensong rehearsal, a short organ recital, and Evensong itself then follow. Advance booking is available by visiting www.marfantrust.org