A celebratory and uplifting concert to mark 40 years of the Wadebridge Choral Society (WCS) will be taking place at St Endellion Church on Saturday, April 25.

The 40th anniversary concert will see the choir, guest soloists and a chamber orchestra perform Puccini’s Messa Di Gloria and a selection of familiar opera favourites, including the Easter Hymn from Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana; the Triumphal March from Verdi’s Aida; the final chorus of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and music from Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice.

The performance will be conducted by musical director Nicholas Danks and accompanied by a chamber orchestra.

WCS, which was formed in 1986, currently has 70 singers who rehearse weekly in Wadebridge.

A mixed-voice adult choir, WCS promotes a love of music making, developing public education and appreciation of music and singing. The choir is affiliated to Making Music, actively encouraging adults of all ages to discover the fun and health benefits of singing in a friendly group.

WCS is led by inspirational director of music, Nicholas Danks, who divides his time between Cornwall and Cambridge University, where he is a fellow and director of music at Corpus Christi College.

Nick’s wealth of musical experience ensures music is presented to a very high standard with the assistance of Stephen Tyrrell, an outstanding accompanist and performer in his own right.

The WCS calendar includes four concerts per year. Spring and autumn concerts feature major formal works with professional soloists and orchestra, a summer concert often with young musicians and the Christmas festive concert incorporates audience participation with traditional carols.

New members are warmly welcomed and do not require auditions. Anyone interested in joining the choir can email: [email protected].

Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the door and includes refreshments.

To book, visit: wadebridgechoral.org.uk/concerts-events/