AN EVENING of soaring French choral music is set to fill St Mary’s Church next month as Fordingbridge Choral Society presents its Spring Concert.

The performance, taking place on Saturday, March 28 at 7pm, will showcase some of the most celebrated works in the French classical repertoire.

The programme includes Gabriel Fauré’s much-loved Requiem, alongside his Cantique de Jean Racine and Pavane, as well as music by Jean-Philippe Rameau and César Franck.

Audiences are invited to arrive early, with a free pre-concert talk beginning at 6.30pm.

The illustrated introduction will explore the lives and careers of the featured composers, offering context and insight ahead of the main performance.

The choir will be joined by soprano Amy Carson and bass Tim Dickinson, with Graham Scott at the organ.

Instrumental accompaniment will be provided by the Edwards Ensemble, all under the musical direction of Nigel Edwards.

A spokesperson for the society said the concert promises to be “a wonderful event and get us all ready for the warm and drier months to come of spring,” adding: “Why not come along we’d love to welcome you.”

St Mary’s Church, known for its beautiful setting and fine acoustics, provides an atmospheric backdrop for the performance, which is expected to draw music lovers from across the New Forest and surrounding areas.

Tickets cost £15 in advance and £18 on the door, with under-18s admitted free.

The ticket price also includes a complimentary drink during the interval. Advance tickets are available from Caxtons Decor in Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge, or online at ticketsource.co.uk/fordingbridgechoral

For more information, visit www.fordingbridgechoral.org.uk, the society’s Facebook page, or contact the secretary on 01425 656348.

With its combination of familiar favourites and stirring choral harmonies, the evening is shaping up to be a highlight of Fordingbridge’s spring cultural calendar.