THERE are still a few tickets left for the English Symphony Orchestra's popular performance of Handel's Messiah at Malvern Priory later this month.

The candle-lit concert has become a regular and much-loved fixture in the calendars of both the church and the orchestra. Anyone wanting to buy tickets is urged to act fast.

The soloists this year are soprano Elenor Bowers-Jolley, mezzo-soprano Kate Woolveridge, tenor Blake Fischer and baritone Damian Thantrey, all experienced singers with extensive opera and oratorio performances on their CVs.

The concert is conducted by ESO founder and musical director William Boughton. The choir is the St Michael's Singers, from Coventry Cathedral.

A few tickets are still available at £29 and £27, but the majority are £16 and £10, although some have restricted view. Wine and mince pies will be available in the Lyttelton Rooms during the interval.

The concert is on Wednesday, December 21, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on 01386 791045.

The Malvern concert is the last of a short series during which the Messiah is performed at venues around the region, including Coventry Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey.