A choir is set to mark its 25th anniversary with a Baroque and orchestral performance.

The Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir will celebrate this landmark with a concert at St Martin’s church on Saturday, May 25.

The mixed-voice choir, comprising around 35 auditioned singers, will perform alongside the professional players of The Musical and Amicable Society in a programme to honour the two giants of the Baroque era, Bach and Handel.

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The choir's founder and director, Stephen Shellard, said: "The foundation of the choir was historic in that for the first time in Worcester Cathedral’s 900-year history, female voices became part of a cathedral choir.

"Our members join because of a core wish to sing services in the magnificent space of Worcester Cathedral.

"Over the years our work has expanded to incorporate a broad range of musical activity, which has also increased our repertoire and our engagement in the wider community."

Today, the choir not only devotes itself to cathedral services, but also works in the community, singing for weddings, events, recording music, and embarking on occasional tours.

The choir also takes part in the annual Elgar Festival, with Mr Shellard holding the position of chorus master.

They have also collaborated with Worcester-based composer Ian Venables and Gloucester Cathedral’s chamber choir, the Saint Cecilia Singers.

Discussing the upcoming concert, Mr Shellard said: "When we established a programme of concerts as part of our annual diary, we frequently chose St Martin’s for its beautiful acoustic and because we have always been warmly welcomed.

"I am thrilled that we are returning to our ‘second home’ for this special 25th anniversary concert."

The remainder of 2024 will see the choir mark its anniversary by singing at the closing event of the festival at Worcester Cathedral on Sunday, June 2, at Westminster Abbey on Monday, July 15, Three Choirs Festival Worcester on Saturday, July 27, and finally again at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, November 23 to mark the feast of St Cecilia, patron saint of music and musicians.

Tickets for 'A Baroque Celebration' are available for £18 on Eventbrite and at the door.