The Elgar Chorale will once again be performing in Malvern on Saturday 15th October in the Church of the Ascension in Newton Rd, Malvern Link, starting at 7.30 pm, with an evening of Renaissance Polyphony – timeless music of the 16th and early 17th Centuries by some of the most prestigious composers of the age. There will be masses and motets by Victoria and Byrd, the latter in 5 parts. The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be a rare performance of two 40-part motets by the Italian Striggio and Englishman Thomas Tallis, one of which led to the other. Striggio brought his work to the Elizabethan court where it inspired Tallis to produce what is considered one the finest pieces of early English music, used on a number of film scores in recent years.

Because of the scale of the works and numbers of independent voices required, the Chorale is swelling its ranks for the evening with singers from other local choirs and some from further afield. The overall effect promises to be absolutely unforgettable, especially given the amazing acoustic of Ascension Church, which lends itself perfectly to such music.

The forces will all be under the expert baton of Piers Maxim, Director of Music of the Elgar Chorale and of Malvern Priory, who has a national and international reputation as a conductor of music of the earlier periods. Tickets at £12, Students £5, are available from members of the Chorale, administrator@elgarchorale.com (01684 594570) or on the door.

PETER BROOK