HAYDN’S masterpiece, The Creation, will be the stunning last concert of the season for the Worcester Festival Choral Society, and tickets are up for grabs in a fun competition.

The Creation holds a special place in WFCS history, because it was the first work the Society ever performed, at its inaugural concert at Worcester’s old Music Hall in Cornmarket, back in 1862.

A spokesman said: “It’s a stunning last concert of the 2017-18 WFCS season, with symphony orchestra, and excellent soloists: Sarah Fox is a particularly well-known name; and really lovely, celebratory music for springtime.”

“International soprano Sarah has been the star of many BBC Proms concerts, at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne and she was also a former judge on Gareth Malone’s ‘The Choir: Sing while you work’.”

Joining Sarah for the evening will be tenor John Bowen and bass Edward Seymour.

The spokesman said: “Meridian Sinfonia provides the symphony orchestra and Worcester Cathedral’s Director of Music, Peter Nardone, will conduct.

“Haydn’s The Creation was inspired by Handel’s major works such as Messiah, and it is just as inspiring to listen to. As well as the celebratory energy of the choruses, there is time for reflection and moments of quiet beauty.”

The concert, which will be sung in English, will take place in Worcester Cathedral.

The spokesman added: “There is a nice link between The Creation and Worcester Cathedral itself, as the currently-under-restoration Great West Window features some lovely Creation scenes, such as the elephant panel.

“The window restoration work is due for completion end spring”

But the great news is, four pairs of tickets are up for grabs, in an exciting competition being run by The Worcester News and the WFCS.

To enter, please answer the following question: “When was The Creation first performed by the Worcester Festival Choral Society?”

The WFCS spokesman said: “We offer 4 pairs of top price, £25 concert tickets to Worcester News/Malvern Gazette readers; plus a free, full colour concert programme per pair, worth £3.

“Winners will pick up their tickets on the door from 7pm on concert night, bringing ID.”

The date for the concert will be Saturday March 17, from 7.30pm, at Worcester Cathedral. (Tickets from www.ticketsource.co.uk.)

Entries for the fun competition should be sent to the Worcester News/Malvern Gazette no later than Wednesday March 14, by emailing the answer to: competitions@worcesternews.co.uk

The word “Creation” should be in the email’s heading.

Entries can also be by post, of course, and these should be sent, bearing the word “Creation”, to the Entertainments Editor, Gary Bills-Geddes, at The Worcester News, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.

Name, address and contact details must be supplied.

The winners will be the first names drawn from a hat, and our decision will be final.