TWO special compositions will be performed for the first time in Ludlow on Saturday (July 12).

Two of the founder members of Gryphon, a progressive band from 1970s, have each written pieces, involving up to three saxophones, two recorders, an assortment of percussion instruments, organ and the choir.

Brian Gulland's piece, Arches and Echoes, takes its inspiration in particular from the ancient stones of St Laurence's Church. Richard Harvey's Responses examines the response of the building to the lines and phrases of the music.

The whole concert at St Laurence's Church will be a feast of music for saxophone and choir, contrasted with Britten's Jubilate Deo and Rejoice in the Lamb.

One of the highlights will be The Son of God Mass by James Whitbourn which uses a soprano saxophone with the choir.

The saxophone is not often used in classical choral music and the soprano saxophone in particular has a haunting sound which will ring round the high ceiling of St Laurence's Church.

The saxophone will also be used in Geoffrey Burgon's version of the Nunc Dimittis, which may be remembered from the TV series 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy', and another Nunc Dimittis by Christian Forshaw.

This latter piece has yet to be published and Christian has produced copies especially for the choir.

The concert will be conducted by Ros Crouch and the choir is lucky to have gained the services of organist Tim Harper as accompanist.

Tim, who is assistant organist at Birmingham Cathedral and has been appointed as assistant director of Music at Ripon Cathedral from September, is giving an organ recital earlier in the day also at St Laurence's.

The concert by the Edge Chamber Choir starts at 7.30pm.