A NEW face will be conducting Kidderminster Male Choir in its annual autumn concert next weekend.

Tenor, David Barclay, who has moved to Worcestershire from Liverpool, has taken up the position of musical director.

He joined the choir last month and has been preparing for his first concert, which will be held at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, October 15.

Mr Barclay trained as a professional singer at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has conducted several church choirs and the cantata choir at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool.

The 35-year-old, who was born in Nottingham, has filled the vacancy left by Justin Parker, who resigned in April to spend more time with his family.

Mr Barclay, who also runs a Sunday choir at Pershore Abbey, said he applied for the job after a friend told him about the choir's radio appeal for a new musical director.

He explained he was "thrilled" to be conducting the choir, adding: "It is a very happy choir - that was the first thing that struck me about it. They are a great bunch of people to be working with.

"I would like to see the name of the Kidderminster Male Choir flourish locally and nationally."

Chairman, John Hopper, 73, who has been a member of the choir since 1995, said he was delighted to be welcoming Mr Barclay, adding: "Throughout last month, we have broken records for Tuesday and Thursday rehearsal numbers. The choir is expecting good things. We are quite sure, that now David has come among us, there are good times ahead."

Members will be singing with guest performers, The Sirens, at next Saturday's concert, which starts at 7.30pm, and their repertoire will include traditional Welsh choir songs as well as music from shows, including Les Miserables, and operas.

It will be followed by a performance at St Mary's Church, Kidderminster, on Friday, November 4 and they will also sing in Kidderminster town centre on Saturday, November 26, when the Christmas lights are switched on.

Two traditional Christmas concerts will be held at the town hall on Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10 and a performance marking the anniversary of the Asian tsunami will take place at the venue on Saturday, January 28.

For further information and tickets contact John Hopper on 01562 637094. Tickets will also be available from the town hall.