West Dorset choir Cantamus will be performing two concerts with a Lenten theme.

The concerts are called Lift Up Your Voice! and are a celebration of the very best song writing from across the centuries.

The choir will also be giving two concerts in the Bridport area at the The Church of St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum, on Thursday 22 March at 7.15pm and Holy Trinity Church, Bothenhampton on Saturday, March 24 at 7pm.

The programme begins with the rousing ‘Insanae et vanae curae’ by Haydn, followed by exquisite pieces by Palestrina, Byrd and Gibbons.

Two of the Tenebrae responsorial motets by Victoria take listeners to the heart of the Lent season, with the story of Christ’s betrayal by Judas and this mood continues with Purcell’s moving Hear My Prayer.

The first half ends with Jehovah, Quam Multi Sunt Hostes Mei, also by Purcell.

After the interval, the programme moves into the 18th century with Domine Jesu Christe from Mozart’s Requiem, then through the 19th with

songs by Mendelssohn and Rossini.

There are two anthems by the English organist and composer Bairstow, pieces from the 20th century by Richard Lloyd and Patrick Hadley and finally – bringing the audience right up to date – De Virgine Maria, written in 2014 by Carl Rütti.

Cantamus was formed in 2012 and gives three series of concerts each year in the region under the baton of musical director Malcolm Knowles.

Tickets are £10 (to include refreshments) on the door.

Go to cantamus-dorset.org or the choir’s Facebook page (Cantamus – Dorset).