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Choral singing has a profound and positive effect on health and well being, according to Dr Maria Sandgren, who will present her findings on Tuesday 29th April in Folkestone.

Dr Sandgren's free seminar, entitled 'Singing, Stress and the Endocrine System', takes place between 1pm and 3pm at the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, at the new University Centre Folkestone, Mill Bay, Folkestone.

Dr Sandgren will draw upon her research into solo and choral singing and look at how intimately emotions, self-esteem and vocal performance are connected to singers. She will also discuss the importance of singing on health and well being - both for amateur and professional singers.

A registered psychologist from the University of Stockholm, Sweden, Dr Sandgren, explained: "Choral singing has a long tradition in Sweden and one out of five people sing in a choir. I found that, although choristers participate in the same rehearsal, their level of well being might differ depending on gender, health status and choir level. Results indicated that choral singing had strong effects on the well being in that positive emotions increased significantly and, in turn, negative emotions radically subsided. In conclusion, I found that choral singers, particularly women, are happier, more alert and relaxed after a rehearsal."