The Marches Choir will present a concert devoted almost entirely to the music of the great Czech composer, Antonín Dvořák, at St John’s Church in Bishop’s Castle.

Four professional soloists accompanied by the Marches Sinfonia will perform one of his most enduring choral works, the Stabat Mater, at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 16.

All the soloists are from an operatic background. The soprano Caroline Clarke, from Ludlow, who has performed with the choir on several previous occasions, will also sing the aria ‘Song to the Moon’ from Dvořák’s opera Rusalka.

OTHER NEWS:

Other soloists include tenor Andrew Morris, who was born in Clun and attended Bishop’s Castle Community College, mid Wales mezzo soprano Stephanie Windsor-Lewis, who has made several appearances with the English National Opera, and bass Nick Morris who has sung with Scottish Opera and is a regular performer with the Marches Choir.

As a prelude to the concert, the Marches Sinfonia will perform two of Dvořák’s popular and exciting Slavonic Dances.

The leader of the Sinfonia, violinist David Gregory, who was a long-serving member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, will also play the beautiful solo Meditation from the opera Thais by Jules Massenet with the orchestra.

Conductor Alistair Auld, now in his ninth year with the Marches Choir, said: “Dvořák is one of my all-time favourite choral composers.

"His music is brimming with passion and deep expression. Our programme embraces folk dances, opera and sacred choral music all in one. A real treat for music lovers!”

Tickets cost £15, but are free for children and students, and are available by calling 07806 433394 or online via www.ticketsource.co.uk, and can also be purchased from choir members or on the night.