Ludlow Choral Society’s Advent Concert on Saturday will be a performance of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Bach’s popular Christmas work is a series of cantatas for the key points in the story of the Nativity and contains some of his most popular choruses and familiar tunes. The four four outstanding soloists include local soprano Gemma King, well known to Ludlow audiences, as well as alto Cathy Bell; tenor Matthew Minter; and baritone, James Birchall all of whom excel in the Baroque Repertoire. The Choir will be accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra and a chamber organ played by LCS’s regular accompanist, Steve Dunachie.

This performance will be last for the Society under the baton of Patrick Larley who has provided energetic leadership for the choir for over 20 years and whose musicianship has ensured that Ludlow Choral has reached many high notes over the past two decades. The whole choir is sad to see him moving on to concentrate his energies on composition and other projects but look forward to a new chapter in the Society’s 150 year history.

Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I-IV) is performed at St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 8. Tickets are available at the door or from Ludlow Assembly Rooms (01584 878141/ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk).