OTLEY Choral Society is excited to be performing The St John Passion by J.S. Bach on Saturday, March 9th, 7pm, at Otley Parish Church.

This will be the choirs first performance under their new musical Director, Alex Kyle who began rehearsals for this concert straight after Christmas.

A spokesperson said: "Alex is a familiar face around Leeds and has been the music director at Vocalis in Harrogate for over 10years; he is now very excited for his first performance with such a large choir and orchestra as Otley and Ilkley Choral Societies combine forces, accompanied by the Yorkshire Chamber Ensemble, organ and six soloists. The role of the Evangelist is being sung by James Micklethwaite and Jesus by Andrew Greenan. They are supported by Elspeth Piggott (Soprano), Lucy Appleyard (Alto), Jame Savage Hanford (Tenor) and Matthew Nuttall (Bass).

"The choirs have also welcomed several new members who will be making their debut for this special performance alongside Alex and it will be the first Passion sung by the choirs for many years."

Tickets are available from Browns Gallery, Otley, The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley, from choir members or by emailing priscillawellscole@gmail.com