CASTING its net far and wide for a special celebration of Mozart next month is Ludlow's enterprising choral society.

It wants to draft in amateur singers from all over the Midlands for its Mozart Fest in St Laurence's Church on May 14. The event is in collaboration with the church's Fabric Trust.

Three of Mozart's greatest choral works are on the programme. As well as his setting of Laudate Dominum, there are two masterpieces from the end of his short life.

The motet Ave Verum Corpus lasts only a few minutes but has tremendous power and is immensely moving. The Requiem is the stuff of more legend than fact. A mysterious messenger in grey asked him to write it. Mozart died before he finished it and there have been completions by numerous lesser composers.

Patrick Larley, the Society's resident conductor, will lead the chorus and Mark Jones will accompany on the organ. There will be three rehearsal sessions on the day, starting at 10.30am, and the actual concert will start at 7.30pm.

"This is a good opportunity for those who have not sung in St Laurence's or been to a concert there," said Society publicist Hugh Wood.

"It could be a great day out for those who don't know Ludlow. At lunchtime there will be a chance to sample or, or more, of our excellent pubs and restaurants or just to explore this famous old town."

Anyone who wants to join the chorus for the day should contact Dorothy Jeffery on 01584 872022.