Lots on the bill at Warwick Christmas concert

St James’ Singers’ annual Christmas performance, which has proven very popular through the years, takes place at St Mary’s church on Wednesday night.

And this year, the ensemble are pleased to welcome leading Royal Shakespeare Company actor David Troughton and his wife Ali Troughton, who is a well-established writer, director and performer at the Swan Theatre in Stratford, to recite readings inbetween the musical items.

Some 44 singers will perform O Magnum Mysterium (O Great Mystery) by American composer Morten Lauridsen, some rarely performed music by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, arrangements and pieces by the choir’s conductor, Julian Harris, and plenty of familiar Christmas songs.

Liz Bates, choir and choir committee member, said: “We are very excited about having the Troughtons this year. It means people will have the opportunity to listen to these two really rather experienced actors, who you would usually have to go to London to see.

“The works will span the whole lot, from jolly tunes to serious music.

“Christmas concerts are nice because they are bringing in a very wide audience. Families love them, but there are also a lot of people who make it their big event of the year, who may be elderly or live alone. They can all come to the church and see it looking lovely and emjoy some Christmas music.”

She added: “We love it to. We normally perform very serious pieces, so to get to sing things like The Twelve Day of Christmas is really good fun.”

St James’ Singers rehearse at St James’ church at Walton Hall near Wellesbourne on alternate Thursdays and Fridays. Anyone interested in joining the choir can email [email protected] or go online for more details.

The Christmas concert takes place on Wednesday at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17.50 and £12.50. Call 776438 or go online.