Carlisle-based choir the Abbey Singers will perform a programme of choral music by British composers next month.

Subtitled Something Quintessentially British, the concert will see performances of works by William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes, who both died 400 years ago in 1623.

Highlights of the concert will include Gaude et laetare an anthem for double choir composed in 2016 by Jonathan Millican, the Abbey Singers’ musical director, as a tribute to Byrd.

In addition to sacred music by the likes of Tallis, Purcell, Parry and Walton, the concert will follow the classic Abbey Singers format by concluding with lighter music such as The Hippopotamus by Flanders and Swann and Mrs Worthingto by Noel Coward, who died 50 years ago in 1973.

C V Stanford’s famous part-song The Bluebird, a favourite among British choirs since its composition in 1910, will be another highlight of the evening.

Also set to receive a hearing are Britain’s living composers, such as Will Todd and James MacMillan. 

Under the direction of Jonathan Millican, the choir will be accompanied by organist and pianist David T Shingler.

The concert will take place in St James’ Church, Denton Holme, Carlisle, (CA2 5PD) on Wednesday March 29 at 7.30pm.

Tickets (£12) are now available on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3YrziT7 (under-18s free).