KENDAL Midday Concert Club's next performance features a highly anticipated world premiere.

Written by Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Gaude et laetare will be performed on Wednesday, November 2 (1pm) by the young and dynamic, Marian Consort, and is a joint commission between KMCC and the early music vocal ensemble, with financial support from the Westmorland Arts Trust at Cumbria Community Foundation.

Taking its name from the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Marian Consort is recognised for its freshness of approach and innovative presentation of a broad range of repertoire.

The highly respected sextet has given concerts throughout the UK and Europe, features regularly on BBC Radio 3, and is a former Young Artist of The Brighton Early Music Festival.

Known for its engaging performances and imaginative programming, the group draws its members from among the very best young singers on the early music scene. The consort is also committed to inspiring a love of singing in others, and has led participatory workshops for a wide range of ages and abilities.

The singers' repertoire encompasses the music of the 15th-17th centuries with a particular focus on the exploration of lesser-known works, often introducing piece to the wider public for the first time. They are also proud exponents of contemporary music, juxtaposing latter-day pieces and Renaissance works in concert in order to shed new light on both.

Its Ave virgo sanctissima programme for next week's Kendal Town Hall concert also includes Surge propera, amica mea by Juan Esquivel, Lennox Berkeley's Regina caeli laetare and Regina caeli laetare by Juan Navarro.

Composer Cheryl has been composing to commission since she was 15 and admired for her originality, fluency and professionalism. She trained as a cellist and pianist at the Yehudi Menuhin School before going on to Cambridge and King's College, London.

A former BBC Radio 3 Composer of the Week, her works have garnered many awards and she has released three CDs of chamber orchestral music.