TWO choirs are coming together for two very special concerts this Christmas.

The One Voice choir of Weymouth has joined forces with the Belvedere Singers of Swanage in preparation for two Christmas 2016 concerts.

Under the title of Christmas Goes Classical this vibrant and exciting programme of Christmas songs and carols will provide great entertainment.

It will feature 70 singers under the joint leadership of Grazina Ellis of One Voice and Rebecca Bunney of the Belvedere Singers.

Music borrowed from Strauss, Wagner, Grieg, Verdi, Bizet, Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky with words of a Christmas flavour will be recognised and bring enjoyment.

With each choir also performing varied renditions of songs of Yuletide splendour, the programme will truly have something for everyone.

Grazina said: "I was looking for new Christmas music and came across some lovely arrangements of classical and favourite tunes with Christmas lyrics.

"The idea to have two choirs came when I found Christmas Goes Classical, a selection where we needed a bigger and more powerful choir to express the most famous tunes in all of music literature.

"I had a very joyful response from Rebecca and we started working together on this new venture."

The concert will feature a full selection of music styles with some accompanied by a string quartet and piano.

It will begin with a high-energy Renaissance-style Madrigal, continuing with merry melodies and charming harmonies from Mozart, a sprinkle of Bach and a touch of Pachelbel together strung together with lyrics from traditional Christmas carols. Deck the Hall, Jolly Old Saint Nicholas and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

Rebecca said: "The recent first joint rehearsal was a splendid afternoon’s work, the two choirs working hard side by side to create a lovely harmonious sound.

"There was lots to work on but it was a fabulous first rehearsal. Amidst the Mozart and Tchaikovsky there was still time to squeeze in a delicious and very welcome tea break!"

*The first concert will be performed at St. John’s Church, Greenhill, Weymouth, on Saturday December 3 at 7pm. The second concert will be held at St.Mary’s Church, Swanage, on Saturday December 17 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 (including refreshments) with under 16s free.

For more information and tickets call 01305 815531. Tickets are also available online at onevoiceweymouth.com

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