KENDAL South Choir performs a varied programme of Music for Passiontide under the expert direction of Ian Thompson on Saturday (February 20, 7.30pm) at Kendal's St Thomas’s Church. The main piece for the concert is the well known Crucifixion by John Stainer. Vaughan Williams Five Mystical Songs is also featured in the programme along with excerpts from the St Matthew Passion by JS Bach.

The two soloists joining the choir for the concert are tenor, Alex Banfield, and baritone, Graham McCusker, both recent graduates of the Royal Northern College of Music. Graham is a late replacement for Jolyon Dodgson who unfortunately has his leg in plaster and is unable to perform. Ian Pattinson provides organ accompaniment.

Musical director Ian has been on the podium for the choir since Mark Swinton left for pastures anew in 2011. A distinguished singer himself, Ian’s solo operatic career took him to many leading theatres, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, both the Châtelet and Bastille in Paris and La Scala, Milan. During rehearsals he often regales the choir with entertaining anecdotes about working with such famous musicians as Bryn Terfel, Sir George Solti and Sir John Eliot Gardiner.

Kendal South Choir always welcomes new members.

Tickets for Music for Passiontide are available from Turning Point, Highgate, Kendal, choir members or at the door.