STAVELEY Choral has built a reputation for innovative and dramatic performances of choral music.

On Saturday, June 13 (7.30pm), the popular ensemble returns to the stage for the final concert of another successful season - a Summer Prom alongside Kendal Concert Band at Windermere School.

The performance is also the swansong for the choral society's musical director Philip Burton, highly respected within the region's choral circles and well-known for his innovative programming.

As well as the traditional set pieces associated with staging a 'prom' - plus audience participation and party bags - local soprano Clare Eccles will make her debut performing songs from the shows.

Also included will be music from James Bond, Gershwin and an interesting rendition of Abba’s Waterloo to commemorate the battle of Waterloo.

Philip steps off the podium after conducting the choir for the past six years.

During that time he's been an extremely creative and guiding hand in several adventurous musical events.

In 2013, he led more than 100 voices in a grand choral gathering with Staveley Choral performing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, joined by the Millennium Youth Choir and the Lakes School Choir.

In April 2014, Philip and the choir teamed up with Hilary Pezet and Kendal College for an ambitious theatrical performance of one of the nation’s most cherished choral works – Handel’s Messiah, with Philip’s cleverly conceived version putting the drama of the story centre stage. And earlier this year the progressive choral society put on Mozart's Requiem in Words and Music. Directed by Rachel Battersby and conducted by Philip, the work explored Mozart’s life through music and drama.

"It has been a whirlwind six years with lots of highs and memorable moments - as well as a few lows," recalls Philip.

"When I started six years ago, if I said to the choir that we would be performing those pieces they would have looked at me with total incredulity. It’s been a wonderful experience and such fun - they’re a great choir to work with.”

Chairman Ann-Marie Slater said Philip had brought his own colourful character to the role of musical director: "He's led us through some challenging pieces to great success with humour and dynamism. He will be very much missed and we wish him well for the future in whatever he chooses to pursue.

"We look forward to our Proms concert, bidding Philip farewell and preparing to work with our new conductor, Wendy Randall, who will no doubt take us in a new direction.”

Tickets are available from Staveley Chemist, Hutton’s Chocolates, Bowness, Thomson Hayton Winkley, Windermere, or on 015394-42434.