The 500th performance from Brighton Festival Chorus promises to be an unexpectedly interactive affair.

Reflecting music director James Morgan’s desire to show that classical music is not stuck in the past, the choir will present JS Bach’s St John Passion “in the round”, meaning the audience will be unusually close to the performers.

“We have got the performers moving amongst the audience,” says James. “Everybody will get an unusual view of a classical performance.”

There will be 200 performers in all at Brighton Dome, including 8 soloists and a 40-strong orchestra, building on a version performed by Brighton Festival Chorus in 2008 and 2009.

“In general, classical concerts can be received as one-dimensional; what we are trying to do is bring the piece to life,” adds James.

Brighton Festival Chorus was formed for the 1968 Brighton Festival by Hungarian composer and conductor László Heltay, and has built a reputation for excellence, performing at Brighton Festival each year and at major concert venues across the UK and Europe.

It has also worked with professional orchestras as well as celebrated conductors and soloists.

Among the 500 performances some of the many highlights include 16 concerts and 3 recordings with André Previn by 1986, a performance of Haydn’s The Creation at Glyndebourne conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras in 2000, and more recently two tours of northern France in 2013 and 2014 performing Verdi’s Requiem, then Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 as part of a European funded project.

The choir has had a long and enduring relationship with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in particular, including 172 concerts and 19 recordings to date.

Brighton Festival Chorus is known for its versatility, performing not only the standard choral repertoire but also new works and commissions, and collaborating with popular music artists.

James, who is based in Haywards Heath has been music director for 15 years, and in addition to leading Brighton Festival Chorus has an extremely varied career as a conductor, composer and producer.

He has conducted leading orchestras including Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia and London Philharmonic Orchestras, and specialises in contemporary music, with his repertoire including everything from Renaissance polyphony to pop concerts.

James has worked with the likes of Alfie Boe, Katie Melua, and Jamie Cullum.

Perhaps surprising is the fact that Brighton Festival Chorus is entirely made up of amateur singers, who despite having day jobs put in a large number of hours, and display a flexibility that continues to baffle musical director James Morgan.

“They have to take quite a lot of time off work to go abroad, and make trips to London. It’s the dedication and commitment that sets them apart.”

The age range stretches from 18-80 with a healthy student contingent, says James, as well as a couple of founder members still active.

He adds that there are about 20 high-grade amateur choirs from the UK regularly performing with professional orchestras.

The Brighton Festival Chorus also supports the Brighton Festival Youth Choir to encourage young people to get involved with choral music.

“With the younger generation, choral music is less popular than it was,” says James.

“We are not apologising for the music that we are making, which is fantastic, but we aim to make it so that people experiencing it for the first time are not intimidated, and don’t find it tedious.”

The choir performs 10 to 12 concerts a year and rehearse at least once a week, twice a week during busy periods.

As well as concerts in a variety of different settings, they have also produced commercial recordings; an unusual mix of work, says James.

Highlights during his time as musical director include several performances at the Royal Albert Hall and a performance of the largest symphony ever composed, The Gothic by Havergal Brian, for the BBC Proms in 2011.

As ever Brighton Festival Chorus has some significant performances on the horizon including with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in June, at the Royal Albert Hall.

The choir welcomes prospective new members, who will be asked to attend an audition.

“We see if they can have a go at reading music,” says James. “Though we have had people join who have not been able to read music, but then have learned.”

The audition process is something that terrifies a lot of people says James, though he admits since shows such as The X Factor, people are more comfortable with the idea.

Brighton Festival Chorus performs Bach’s St John Passion at Brighton Dome on April 3. Tickets start at £15 visit brightondome.org

Find out more about Brighton Festival Chorus at bfc.org.uk