THE Cradley Singers have come up with a varied programme of music for its new season.

Director Stefan Scott said he was excited about starting rehearsals for the new programme.

"It's a good mix of different kinds of music and it should be quite entertaining both for us and the audience," he said.

Christmas music by English composers will be performed at Cradley Church on December 6. Mr Scott said he was particularly looking forward to conducting Finzi's miniature cantata In Terra Pax.

"It's an absolutely beautiful piece of music," he said.

On April 3, the Singers will perform a concert of music for choir and two pianos for its Easter concert, including Beethoven's Choral Fantasia, Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on the Old 104th and the Liebeslieder Waltzes by Brahms.

"We'll be over-shadowed by the piano parts which are spectacular," said Mr Scott.

The choir's year will come to an end with its June concert which will be a variety show featuring a selection of music from the sublime to the ridiculous from grand opera to Gilbert and Sullivan and jazz.

The Singers, who celebrated their 25th anniversary last year, consist of 40 people from all over the area.

Anybody who would like to join them should contact Mr Scott on 01885 482168 to arrange a simple voice test. Tenors and basses are particularly welcome.