A CHOIR of amateur singers will play its 300th concert in Abingdon next weekend.

The Abingdon and District Musical Society has been making music since 1946 and this year its members will hold their 300th choral concert at the town's St Helen’s Church.

Singers will be conducted by Alexander Walker, who has previously taken the baton for the City of London Sinfonia and the BBC Philharmonic, among many others.

The orchestra will be led by Kate Bailey, a freelance orchestral musician based in Oxford.

The programme includes Dvorak’s Te Deum and Symphony No.6, Poulnec’s Gloria and Bushell’s ADMS 300 – a short piece written to mark the event.

The society consists of a large mixed voice choir and a full symphony orchestra, both led by professional musicians.

The choir has about 70 singers and the orchestra 40 regular members, augmented as required by guest musicians.

Each year, the society gives two concerts of mixed choral and orchestral works, an orchestral concert, a choral concert and a charity Christmas concert.

It aims to foster public knowledge and appreciation of the art of vocal and instrumental music and to encourage and develop amateur musical talent.

Member Peter Smith said: "Abingdon and District Music Society usually holds several concerts of classical music every year.

"As well as our choir, we have our own orchestra. Because of the pandemic we haven’t had a concert for over 18 months. At last, we can change that with our 300th concert since the society was founded in 1946.

"We will perform Dvorak’s Te Deum and his symphony no. 6, and Poulenc’s Gloria. We will also sing a short song, specially composed by Geoff Bushell, a member of our orchestra, to commemorate this 300th event."

Tickets can be bought on the door for £14 on November 13 or in advance for £12 from Peter Smith on 01235 521392 or 07979 894-095.

The price for all children is £1.