RESIDENTS are being invited to begin the festive season with a community choir.

Andover Choral Society are a celebrated community choir and charity. They will bring the festive show on Saturday, December 3 at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church in Andover.

The programme includes Part Five of Bach's Christmas Oratorio which opens with the joyful, sparkling chorus Glory to the Lord and charts the flight into Egypt.

They will also be singing Saint-Saens' Oratorio de Noel which is heavily influenced by Bach and comprised of chorales, and choruses with solo and ensemble movements, all in Saint-Saens' distinctive French Romantic style. 

The excellent renowned Westminster Chamber Orchestra and professional soloists will once again be accompanying us.

READ MORE: Chapel Art Studios secures funding for a further three years

Tickets are £15, available from choir members or from The Lights box office on 01264 368368.

A spokesperson for the choir said: "We are always keen to welcome new singers and no audition or music-reading proficiency is expected as all will be welcomed and supported. 

"Our proposed programme for next year’s concert on Saturday 13 May 2023 will include Faure’s Requiem and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers. If you are ready to try a rehearsal, come along and join us on any Wednesday evening at Rookwood School in the main hall, 7.30 - 9.30pm.  If you prefer, you can drop us a line first to let us know to look out for you, or to ask us any questions. Our chairman, Frances Lynn, can be contacted on lynncf35@gmail.com."