TWO major professional local musical groups are joining together for a special collaboration this weekend.

The Warwick-based choir, Armonico Consort, is joining with Stratford's Orchestra of the Swan for a performance of the Requiem Masses of Faur and Durufl at St Mary's Church in Warwick on Saturday night.

The event will be a rare chance to hear the two classic works performed alongside each other and marks a first for the two groups - a collaboration which has been on the cards for some time.

Armonico Consort come fresh from a much-acclaimed production of The Fairy Queen, which caught the critics' eyes during its sell-out run, and it has released a CD which is on sale to music lovers in five continents.

Armonico Consort artistic director Christopher Monks said: "We've been in

discussions with The Orchestra of the Swan for some time and Arts Council England has been very keen for us to join together for certain projects.

"This is a very exciting performance for us and it's a concert I have been looking to do for some time, as I do not know of it being programmed before, and it's one that I would travel far to attend."

He added: " This is going to be such a memorable concert, hearing both works performed by professional orchestra and choir. Both are packed with so many well-known, beautiful moving melodies, constantly leaving the listener with hairs standing on the back of their necks."

Large audiences are expected and, as the Armonico Consort is keen to encourage younger listeners, all children under 16 can buy a ticket for £1 when accompanied by an adult.

Call the box office on 01926 496277 for ticket information or drop in at the gift shop in St Mary's Church.