If there is one piece of music that epitomises the run-up to Christmas - it’s Handel’s glittering masterpiece Messiah.

Music lovers can hear the oratorio sung by 140 voices and renowned soloists at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday, December 9 at 7.30pm.

The specially candlelit concert, which includes choral favourites such as the Hallelujah chorus and For unto us a child is born, is being staged by the region’s leading large classical choir, Worcester Festival Choral Society.

Also appearing are acclaimed soloists Emilia Morton (soprano), Tom Lilburn (counter tenor), Matthew Minter (tenor) and James Oldfield (bass baritone). Accompanying is the Meridian Sinfonia Baroque orchestra. The concert is led by Worcester Cathedral’s director of music, Samuel Hudson.

Written more than 280 years ago, Handel’s Messiah remains one of the world’s most popular choral works. When King George II attended its premiere in 1742, he is said to have been so moved by the Hallelujah chorus that he rose to his feet – a tradition that audiences continue today.

Sue White, chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, said: “Handel’s Messiah is a real joy to listen to, and to perform! It’s a wonderful way to herald the Christmas season. We’re expecting a packed Cathedral!”

Established in 1861 and closely associated with Sir Edward Elgar in its early years, Worcester Festival Choral Society draws its auditioned singers from across the region. Many of its members are also selected for the prestigious Three Choirs Festival Chorus each summer.

The Society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each year, bringing some of the world’s ‘great choral works’ to the City. A popular Come & Sing one-day workshop is also held each spring.

Tickets from www.wfcs.online and TicketSource 0333 666 3366 (local call rate).