CHRISTMAS looks set to go classical this year as Dorset choirs join forces for two evenings of vibrant entertainment.

Weymouth’s One Voice choir and the Belvedere Singers from Swanage have been busy rehearsing a programme of Christmas carols to perform at two church concerts over the Christmas period.

The music will combine work from the likes of Strauss, Wagner, Grieg, Verdi, Bizet, Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky with festive flavour to produce a unique twist on traditional songs.

Grazina Ellis, leader of the One Voice choir, 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 .

“For this Christmas concert we have a full selection of music styles with some accompanied by a String quartet and piano. Starting 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.”

A total of 70 performers will grace the stage.

Leader of the Belvedere singers Rebecca Bunney 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.”

The first concert will take place in Weymouth at St John’s Church, Greenhill, on Saturday, December 3 at 7pm, followed by a second concert at St Mary’s Church, Swanage, on Saturday, December 17 at 7.30pm. For tickets visit onevoiceweymouth.com or call 01305 815531.