Bridport-based chamber choir Cantamus will leave its usual patch this season to give two performances of 'On Wings of Song', a programme of beautiful music for spring.

The programme, 'On Wings of Song,' comprises some sacred music appropriate for the season of Lent, as well as some springlike secular pieces.

The first half includes three sublime modern works: Totus Tuus by Górecki, The Reproaches by John Sanders, and Song for Athene by John Tavener; the last, with text by Mother Thekla, a Greek Orthodox nun, was sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. The choir will also sing the haunting Prayer for Ukraine by Mysola Lysenko.

The second half of the programme includes Elgar's The Dance, a jolly piece from his song suite called From the Bavarian Highlands; Blackbird by Lennon and McCartney; and three songs by English composer Hubert Parry.

There will also be a piano solo, Mendelssohn's On Wings of Song, after which the programme is named.

The concerts will be held at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 25 at St Mary's Church, Norton-sub-Hamdon, Somerset as part of the popular Norton Festival; and at 7pm on Saturday, April 1 at St Mary's Church in Edward Road, Dorchester.

All tickets are £10 and are available to purchase on the door.

Cantamus was founded in 2012 and performs the very best sacred and secular choral music to audiences across the area. The singers have been working with their musical director, Peter Nardone, since summer 2021.

Peter is a professional conductor, singer and composer who has been director of music at Chelmsford Cathedral and organist and director of music at Worcester Cathedral. He has sung with the Monteverdi Choir, The King's Consort and The Tallis Scholars. 

More information, including the full concert programme, is available online at www.cantamus-dorset.org or the choir's Facebook page.