ON Saturday, April 21 the 75 strong Marches Choir conducted by Alistair Auld will host their spring concert in Bishop's Castle Church.

They will be joined by the Marches Sinfonia, a symphony orchestra led by Ann Tupling, as well as two professional soloists, Nicholas Morris (baritone) and Caroline Clarke (soprano).

The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10, children and students free. Call 01588 650448, or buy at the door.

The main featured work is Brahms' exquisite and emotional 'German Requiem'. A choral masterpiece, its power lies in the musical setting of the carefully chosen texts that reach transcendental heights of expression, through intricate harmonies, woven through strongly formed melodic lines, and of course a symphonic sound that only a master of orchestration such as Brahms could convey. The choir is in excellent form, and is thoroughly enjoying working on this great work.

They are looking forward to welcoming talented local soprano soloist, Caroline Clarke, who lives in All Stretton and has sung the piece at Birmingham Symphony Hall, as well as baritone soloist Nick Morris, who has sung with them twice before in Handel's 'Messiah' and Dvorak's 'Stabat Mater'.

The Marches Sinfonia will also delight with performances of Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture and Violin Concerto, with Ayla Sahin, a rising star at the Royal Academy of Music, as violin soloist.

The Concerto is a very popular piece in the orchestral repertoire, full of exquisite melodic beauty, exploiting the solo violin to the full.

The Hebrides Overture is well-loved by audiences for its programmatic drama, inspired as it was by Mendelssohn's experience whilst visiting Fingal's Cave in Scotland. Bishop's Castle Church is an inspiring place to enjoy great music and has recently been fitted with new facilities.

The Marches Choir concerts attract large audiences and this performance is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some wonderful music in a fine setting.