PRIMA Vocal Ensemble musical director Ewa Salecka is on a recruitment drive for more men to join the York choir.

"We're holding an uplifting singing workshop open to all men who’d like to have a go at singing in a group. No experience is required," says Ewa, who will host the session at Park Grove Academy at midday on July 14, accompanied by award-winning guitarist, singer and choral leader Camilo Menjura. "Originally hailing from Bogota, Camilo heads a diverse portfolio of London educational projects that receive international acclaim, and for this occasion his experience and enthusiasm will alight in York," she adds.

"The workshop, with its specific focus on reaching out to men, is designed to promote the physical and mental wellbeing that springs from ensemble singing and to encourage more men to experience the benefits of being part of such a group."

Under the Prima Choral Artists umbrella, artistic director Ewa and pianist Greg Birch run three singing groups in York, the largest being the 100-strong Prima Vocal Ensemble. "This choir enjoys a compelling repertoire, which has seen us perform with international ensembles, such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, at world-class venues including Carnegie Hall in New York and London’s Cadogan Hall," she says.

"You could say that we are fortunate: we get to see first hand the camaraderie and supportive network that the men enjoy; how singing with new friends changes their lives, sharing stage experiences they would not have dreamed about before and watching their confidence grow as singers and assured individuals."

Ewa believes these rewards are there for "everyone who reaches out for them": "The benefits of singing have been well researched and documented but can never be overstated," she says. "According to mind.org.uk, 'one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives', and we know from experience that the physical and social nature of being in a choir dramatically improves people’s lives.

"Not only are our choirs non-auditioning but this exciting workshop, coupled with Camilo’s energy. is an ideal opportunity to offer other men the chance to join our guys for a couple of hours and have a go at choral singing in a relaxed, fun environment. Let’s face it: we're all susceptible to the trials of modern life but we're all equally welcome to enjoy the therapeutic gains of a supportive and creative family of like-minded people."

The July 14 vocal workshop will run from noon to 2.30pm and will cost £7. For more information or to book a place, visit primachoralartists.com, email info@primachoral.com or call 07809 401164.

Prima Vocal Ensemble's next concert will feature the Prima Vox chamber choir, Prima Male Voices, Prima Female Voices, Prima String Quartet and guest instrumentalists on July 21 at 7.30pm at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York. Look out too for Prima Vocal Ensemble in their role as the official choir at the York Proms picnic concert in the Museum Gardens on June 30 from 6pm. Tickets are available at yorkproms.com or in person from York Visitor Information Centre in Museum Street.

Charles Hutchinson