IT may be the dog days of August, but Christmas is very much on the minds of members of the Ludlow Choral Society.

But the group is not just looking to get people to put the event into the diary but also to take part.

Ludlow Choral Society’s Winter Concert often has a seasonal theme and this December will present Joyeux Noel, a programme of music for the Christmas season from France.

The main Choral pieces for the Concert are A Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saens and a setting of the Midnight Mass by Marc-Antoine Charpentier.

These masterpieces of the 19th Century and Baroque choral tradition with a full orchestral accompaniment will make a vibrant and contrasting start to Ludlow’s Festive events.

The Choir will commence rehearsals for the Christmas Concert on Tuesday, September 3 – meeting weekly at Ludlow’s Methodist Church in Broad Street each week. Under the guidance of Musical Director, Nicola Starkie, members will enjoy getting to know the music and working on making the best possible performance.

This will be Nicola Starkie’s third term leading the Choral Society. Her commitment and experience of performing with leading Choir’s such as Birmingham based Ex-Cathedra as well as conducting and training singers, ensembles and community groups have been greatly appreciated in helping the society to strive for the highest standards.

The regular sessions are a great opportunity to join with others in a weekly sing, exercising those vocal chords and contributing to general well-being.

An appeal has been made for people who enjoy singing to come along and give it a try.

They say it’s amazing how quickly the confidence in singing with others returns and develops!

Ludlow Choral Society’s Winter Concert “Joyeux Noel” is at St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow on Saturday, December 7 2019 starting at 7.30pm.