Ludlow Choral Society is currently rehearsing for their Christmas concert with the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble.

The concert – A German Christmas – takes place at St Laurence's Church on Saturday, December 7 at 7.30pm, and features Baroque Music for the nativity, Schütz – Weihnachshistorie, works by Praetorius and others.

The concert will be directed by Nicola Starkie, with Margaret Lingas, soprano, Ellie Stamp – mezzo-soprano; Daniel Marles, tenor and Samuel Oram, baritone.

The centrepiece of the evening is ‘The History of the joyful and blessed birth of Jesus Christ, son of God and Mary’ known as Weihnachtshistorie.

Gospels of Luke and Matthew. The music was probably first performed in a Christmas service at the court chapel in Dresden in 1660; the dedication is to the Elector Johann Georg the Second.

Heinrich Schütz composed Weihnachtshistorie at 75 years of age and it shows a "mastery of means".

Michael Praetorius was a prolific composer and one of the most versatile early Baroque composers. Though from an earlier generation he was an admirer of Schütz and our programme will include works which focus on aspects of the Nativity.

For this concert Ludlow Choral Society is excited to be joined by the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble one of the country’s leading period instrument groups creating what we hope will be a thrilling collaboration. ECSE specialise in Baroque repertoire and will bring their authentic sound to the programme which will also include other works from the period both vocal and instrumental.

To book, visit ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk