Contemporary themes of feminism, fundamentalism, tolerance and globalisation are explored through the lives of two great female icons, Hypatia and St. Katherine of Alexandria, as part of a new musical work by Hereford composer, Robert Peate. Robert, who studied A Level Music at Hereford Sixth Form College before going on to study music composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal College of Music, describes the heart of his new work, Two Souls In One, as "a call to tolerance, respect and openness in the modern world."

This ambitious new composition, written for choir, four harps, organ, and narrator, will be given its first performance at Holy Trinity Church in Hereford on Saturday 9 November, ahead of its London premiere in February. Conductor Simon Harper said, "Hereford Chamber Choir is honoured to give the first ever performance of this incredible new musical work alongside the Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble and professional actors Tim Bannerman and Lizzie Brailsford (narrators).

Hereford Chamber Choir was founded in 1983, and currently consists of around 32 mixed voices. The choir performs about 6 concerts each academic year in venues across Herefordshire, including an annual concert at Hereford Cathedral. We perform a wide variety of music from the choral repertoire, both sacred and secular, ranging from the Renaissance to newly commissioned works. The choir also enjoys singing for services at cathedrals, and has just returned from a weekend singing services at Bristol Cathedral.

On Thursday, December 5, they can be heard again with Carols in the Cloisters at College Hall, Hereford Cathedral, when they will present a programme of carols, readings and 20th century English choral music, including Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and pieces by Howells and Walton, in aid of Save the Children.

Further details and tickets are available on Hereford Chamber Choir's website www.herefordchamberchoir.org.uk.