LENT music from over 400 years will be performed to celebrate a Worcestershire and Gloucestershire choir's 850th concert.

Philomusica will be staging the landmark concert at Pershore Abbey with a programme that includes a rarely heard setting of the Stabat Mater by Antonio Bononcini and the more familiar Requiem by John Rutter.

"These are two very different works," said Philomusica conductor Linda Parsons.

Soloist Kathryn Tozer will be singing Bach's Cantata number 51.

"Since Philomusica was founded in 1966, we have given over 800 concerts but we are delighted to be returning to Pershore for our 850th,'' said chairman John Quinn.

Tickets for the concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, April 12, are £6, concessions £5 from 01905 820140, 01242 674094 or from Blue on Broad Street in Pershore.