BOURNEMOUTH Sinfonietta Choir - one of the area's top chamber choirs - is returning to Sherborne Abbey next month for the opening concert of its new season.

The choir will be giving a concert entitled Gloriana - Music for the Two Elizabeths with a programme celebrating music for the two queens.

When Elizabeth I ascended the throne 450 years ago, her coronation heralded one of the country's richest artistic periods. The choir will perform music from that era by Tallis, Byrd and Gibbons.

Echoes of that music were heard at the coronation of the present queen, Elizabeth II, in 1953, particularly in the Mass in G minor by Vaughan Williams. The choir will also sing music composed for the Coronation by Walton and Britten.

Conductor David Gostick said: "Sherborne Abbey is one of the choir's favourite venues and we have chosen a programme of music with enduring appeal that exploits its qualities to the full.

"Its magnificent architecture provides a glorious setting for English polyphonic music from the 16th century. The Vaughan Williams Mass, which uses two choirs and a solo group, will sound wonderful in the Abbey - a fitting tribute to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer's death."

The concert takes place on Saturday, October 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 (front nave), £10 (back of nave, side aisles) or £2 for under-18s.

They are available from the Sherborne Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992, from choir's box office on 01258 880118, or at the door.