Singers of all abilities are being invited to take part in a concert to celebrate the centenary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten being held at his old school.

Gresham's at Holt is set to host a series of major musical events to mark the 100th anniversary of the renowned composer's birth as well as a centenary dinner in November next year.

Among the celebrations will be a performance of War Requiem, Britten's epic choral work for two orchestras, soloists and chorus.

Rehearsals for the concert start on Thursday, January 10, and will take place every Thursday from 8am to 9.30pm in the Auden Theatre at Gresham's. There are no auditions and all are welcome to go along and sing. Musical scores will be provided.

The concert will take place in the school sports hall on March 10 at 6.30pm with a rehearsal that afternoon with the orchestras and soloists. Chorus members will be asked to pay �15 to take part and this will include the hire of the score.

Britten, who was born in Lowestoft on November 22, 1913, was a pupil at Gresham's in Holt from 1928-30, when he wrote 160 pieces of music during his fledgling career.

Over the next year, a range of 180 performances of 88 works will be staged at venues across East Anglia to mark his impact on the classical music world.

Gresham's is showcasing a display of items relating to Britten's schooldays including music scores, concert programmes and pupil records which flag up Britten's interests as solely 'music'.

The school is also planning to hold concerts, lectures, dramatisations as well as the premiere of a new documentary film about Britten's early life, filmed at Gresham's and entitled Benjamin Britten – Peace and Conflict.

The Capriol Films drama-documentary is written and directed by Britten's namesake Tony Britten. It focuses on Britten's budding pacifism, which took shape during his time at Gresham's, having been ignited when he was at prep school and wrote an essay against hunting in all its manifestations, including war.

For further information about taking part in the concert on March 10, email Gresham's music administrator Fiona Ross at fross@greshams.com