KINGTON Choral Society come to St Andrew’s Church at Presteigne for a major concert performance of Bach’s ‘St John Passion’ this Saturday, May 5, at 7.30pm.

The society’s choir will be joined by six soloists from Harry Christophers’ The Sixteen, supported by the Marches Baroque Orchestra, plus harpsichord and chamber organ.

The venue has been chosen not only to accommodate the large audience expected, but also to meet the choir’s own increased numbers as it reaches new heights, steadily growing in size as well as reputation under the expert baton on Robert Evans.

The ‘St John Passion’ is a challenging work that makes considerable demands on the performers and the important responsibility of leading sectional rehearsals for the sopranos and altos has gone to Serena Jobson, the 23-year-old soprano who is the first recipient of the Kington Choral Society’s new annual bursary student award.

Serena moved to Kington five years ago and works as a self-employed gardener.

She discovered her enjoyment of singing and began studying with a local singing teacher in 2014. She enjoys bell ringing and last year she completed her walk of the entire length of Offa’s Dyke, accompanied by her dog, to raise funds for Kington Choral Society who she regards very much as her extended family.

Serena speaks of the joy of music and echoes other members’ feelings about the support and encouragement given during life’s more testing times.

“Since joining KCS I have improved my sight reading, understanding of music and learnt basic performing skills and choir discipline……it is a privilege to be able to perform some truly remarkable and meaningful music.” says Serena.

Currently having private singing lessons, Serena has recently achieved Grade 7 and 8, both with Distinction, in the ABRSM examinations and is now studying for a Diploma.

Having performed short solos with Gwent Bach choir she also took the solo soprano role in part 1 of Handel’s Messiah at St. Mary’s, Kington and was thrilled to sing a duet with internationally acclaimed soprano, Sally Dunkley at last May’s Vivaldi Gloria.

KCS is a registered charity and fund raising will always be on the agenda, so the choir is particularly grateful that a donation from an anonymous benefactor has made its new bursary award possible.

The award is for young people setting out on a musical career. Applicants must commit to choir membership, with the challenges and disciplines that brings, but there is help towards the cost of private lessons, music scores and exam entrance. The bursary is an annual award. Further details for applicants for 2019 will appear in September. Keep up to date with news at www.kingtonchoral.org.uk

Tickets for Saturday’s concert are £14 on the door.