KENDAL South Choir conductor Hugh Davies and his grand ensemble are limbering up for their 'biggie' this Saturday (27th), 7.30pm at Kendal's Westmorland Hall.

As well as Beethoven's Mass in C, the programme features Healey Willan's Requiem, a relatively unknown piece, but a wonderful discovery for Hugh and his jolly choral combo: "We wanted to do something different, something out of the ordinary in the choral repertoire.

I'd bought the music about ten years ago and forgot about it.

Looking at it again I thought it would be well worth trying it.

"Within the choir there's a sense that we are doing something remarkable and very special."

Tomorrow evening's event sees soprano Anthea Kempston return to the region after making a massive impression in the choir's St John Passion performance in Millennium year.

Nicola Unwin (mezzo-soprano); Alexander Grove (tenor); and Andrew Kidd (bass) complete the line-up of soloists.

Augmented by a 45-strong symphony orchestra, featuring one of the country's leading harpists, Elinor Bennett, the choir looks set to rise to the occasion, on what could be one of those magical nights.

Tickets £10 / concessions £8 / under-16s £5, are available from Kendal Leisure Centre box office on 01539-729702.