A SUITABLY festive programme is being promised by the Stour Singers for their "Spirit of Christmas" concert.

There will be excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, a celebratory cantata by Telemann and Five Mystical Songs from the pen of Vaughan Williams.

This should be one of the highlights.

A spokesman said: "George Herbert was a mystical poet, born in 1593, and Vaughan Williams, born nearly 3 centuries later, set to music five of his moving poems, for baritone solo with choral accompaniment.

"Both Herbert and Vaughan Williams were Cambridge scholars, and this connection continues with renowned baritone soloist, Robert Rice. Robert started his musical career as a choral scholar at Kings College Cambridge, and has a very diverse repertoire encompassing opera, oratorio, recitals, and contemporary music."

The choir will be joined for this concert by the Birmingham Conservatoire-based orchestra: The Queen’s Park Sinfonia, described as "as vibrant young orchestra".

The spokesman added: "It is 41 years ago now when Richard Emms first established the choir in Shipston, and Richard continues today to enthuse and inspire his 80-strong choir to learn and perform some musical gems from across the centuries."

The date for the diary is Saturday, December 10, from 7.30pm, at St Edmund's Church, Shipston-on-Stour

Tickets and further details on, 01789 269587.