CHORAL power peaks during the next few weeks with many of the region's popular societies and singers taking to the stage.

Soprano Emily Robinson is in the spotlight with Ambleside and District Choral Society for Dvorak's Mass in D and Mendelssohn's Hear My Prayer.

Conducted by Hugh Davies with organist Andy Plowman, Saturday's (December 13, 7.30pm) concert at St Mary's Church also includes a selection of Christmas carols.

Tickets on 015394-32096.

Elsewhere, Kirkby Lonsdale Choral Society’s Christmas concert is on Sunday (7.30pm) at St Mary’s Church, Kirkby Lonsdale, with new musical director Jolyon Dodgson on the podium for a fabulous programme that includes a performance of Ramirez’s Navidad Nuestra that will bring Latin American rhythms to the church, with a Christmas tableau provided by St Mary’s CE Primary School, and accompaniment courtesy of talented musicians from Queen Elizabeth School.

Tickets on 015242-73099.

Ulverston Choral Society and conductor Heather Paynes perform on Saturday (7.30pm) at St Peter’s Church, Heversham (tickets 015395-62744) and Friday, December 19 (7.30pm) at Ulverston Parish Church (tickets 01229-716321). Both programmes feature Rutter’s Magnificat, Britten’s Hymn to the Virgin, Tavener’s The Lamb and community carols.

Clive Walkley's Pro Nobis Singers celebrate Christmas in fine style on Sunday evening (7.30pm) at St Mark's Church, Natland, with O Radiant Dawn, a miscellany of readings and music for Advent and Christmas. The concert's title is drawn from the opening number, a motet by James MacMillan, whose music will feature throughout Pro Nobis's programmes in 2015. Stella Foxcroft joins the choir as trumpet soloist in a further work by MacMillan. The main work in the programme is Adrian Self's Carol Sequence Make we joy now in this fest. Tickets on 01539-723482.

Kendal South Choir and soloists with Ian Pattinson (organ) and Lonsdale Baroque Ensemble, conducted by Ian Thompson, perform Handel's Messiah at St Thomas's Church, Kendal, on Saturday (December 13, 7.30pm), Staveley Choral Society's Christmas concert is at the village hall on December 15 (7.30pm) and Arnside Choral's offering this year is Poulenc's Gloria at St James’s Church, Arnside, on December 20.

Meanwhile, the exalted voices of K Shoes Male Voice Choir will be hitting a festive note during their Christmas concert tomorrow night (Friday, December 12, 7.30pm) at Kendal Town Hall, with special guests Burneside Brass band.