A POPULAR west Wales choir will host their next show following their highly successful Christmas carol concert.

Côr Dyfed Choir now looks forward to its Lenten Concert in St Martin’s Church, Haverfordwest on Saturday, March 24 at 7.30pm, after raising £5,762 in aid of the Samaritans at their Christmas concert.

The evening will consist of three works written in the late Victorian/Edwardian period each of which characterises the mood and sentiments prevalent at that time.

Probably the most well-known is The Crucifixion by John Stainer.

Written in 1887, the enduring popularity of this piece is a testament not only to the beautiful tunes, such as ‘God So Loved the World’, but also to the libretto written by The Rev. Sparrow Simpson which describes the events leading up to the Crucifixion.

John Ireland’s anthem Greater Love Hath No Man was written in 1913, one year before the beginning of the First World War.

The text is taken from four biblical sources and the moving words gained resonance during the war among congregations who were trying to come to terms with the senseless slaughter.

This anthem continues to be sung regularly at Remembrance Day services.

Elgar’s Benedictus is now seen as a landmark in the development of the English church music tradition.

Its avant-garde tonal progressions and occasional chromaticism stand out in contrast to the conservatism of preceding composers.

Introspection and peacefulness are the dominant moods throughout the piece, apart from the ending with its invigorating Gloria.

Côr Dyfed Choir, with its traditional high standards and attention to detail, will undoubtedly provide a most rewarding evening and an opportunity, at this most solemn time of the Christian year, to reflect and meditate.

The choir will be conducted by Oliver Waterer and accompanied by Simon Pearce.

Tickets priced £10, including post-concert refreshments, are available at the door, from Victoria Bookshop or by phoning 01646 602050.