AN international orchestra is searching local choirs in Ludlow and south Shropshire to find singers interested in joining them to mark the centenary of World War One in two major concerts.

It will provide a chance to perform with musicians from throughout Europe.

The BISYOC Symphony Orchestra, a vibrant youth orchestra made up of participants from all over Europe, will be performing Vaughan Williams’ Dirge for Two Veterans from Dona Nobis Pacem.

Rehearsals take place at the end of July and the work will be performed in St Laurence’s Church Ludlow on Saturday August 2.

“Dona Nobis Pacem is a beautiful, serene and noble work – and it will be a joy to sing it alongside an 85-strong symphony orchestra at such a high standard,” said Robert Bunting, who is assembling local singers to form the choir.

“We need about 60 singers for the choir and we are already well over halfway there, but we are still looking for more people – especially tenors and basses.”

“There is a modest charge to take part but the music will be provided. The choir will also have opportunities to interact socially with the young European instrumentalists as part of their cultural programme.”

BISYOC, founded by local conductor Julian Gibbons from Presteigne, annually welcomes young musicians from as far away as Norway, Hungary, Switzerland, Croatia and Portugal to take part in 11 days of intense music-making and cultural exchange.

They are led by a high-flying team of internationally-renowned professional musicians hailing from almost as many different countries as the participants.

This year’s programme of music includes Britten’s Sinfonia Da Requiem and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, which will be performed in the same concerts as the choral work.

More information about taking part can be found on BISYOC’s website www.bisyoc.com or by contacting Robert Bunting on 01588 638476 or email buntingbc@tiscali.co.uk