A concert of contrasting choral music is coming to a west Dorset church.

West Dorset Singers' will perform a choral concert in St Swithun’s Church, Bridport, on January 25.

A concert promoter says: "Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’ dates from 1840 and opens with the resounding “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” 

"Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’ was written a little later in 1889 by the composer of ‘Jerusalem’. Recognised as "one of the outstanding English choral works" it’s splendidly Victorian and featured in Kate and William’s wedding in Westminster Abbey in 2011.

"The completely contrasting third piece, Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’, dates from 1961. Poulenc was both devout Catholic and dedicatedly sinful party-animal.

"These didn’t sit well together in the church’s eyes and his music is similarly full of contrasts. He sincerely hoped his compositions might speed his final journey to heaven but worried that it might be to hell. As a part monk, part playboy, his music mixes deep spirituality with the sounds of jazzy dance hall bands."

The choir, under its Musical Director Matt Kingston, will be accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists and the concert starts at 7pm.

Tickets cost £15 and are free for those under 18. They are available from Goadsby Estate Agents in Bridport and on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds