A CHORAL and instrumental performance by the Yorkshire Dales chamber choir Cantores Salicium will raise money for the local landscape, environment and communities.

Entitled ‘Alleluia’, the concert at Bolton Abbey on May 14 will feature the world premiere of a brand new work by award-winning composer Nicholas O’Neill, commissioned especially for the choir and inspired by the Yorkshire Dales.

Cantores Salicium will also perform Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Zadok the Priest’ together with works by Purcell, Stanford and Byrd, under the expert direction of Lindy Williams.

To crown it all, there will be performances by young local instrumentalists in solos and chamber music, and as part of the accompaniment to ‘Zadok the Priest’. Set in the beautiful Priory Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert on the Bolton Abbey Estate, the evening promises to be a real treat.

All money raised will help Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to deliver projects across the Yorkshire Dales such as restoring wildflower hay meadows, planting new native woodlands, supporting local businesses, education and outreach work, and providing apprenticeship opportunities for young local people.

Lindy said: “It is a pleasure to once again be able to support the work Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust in this way. The choir is delighted to be giving the first performance of our newly commissioned work composed by our president. It is a double pleasure since Nicholas will also be accompanying the choir and the instrumentalists. I am especially pleased to be able to give these talented young musicians an opportunity to work with such an experienced professional musician and to explore the baroque repertoire.”

Sarah Pettifer, Fundraising and Communications Officer at the charity, added: “We are very grateful to the highly accomplished Cantores Salicium for so kindly performing in aid of the Trust for the second time. Set amongst the ruins of the Priory and near the banks of the river Wharfe, the venue always feels very special, and the exciting new work by Nicholas O’Neill promises to be a real treat.”

The concert will take place at the Priory Church, Bolton Abbey from 7.30pm on Saturday May 14. Tickets cost £10 for adults and are free for under 16s, including a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink.

For more information or to book tickets, call YDMT on (01524) 251002 or e-mail info@ydmt.org. Tickets are also available from Cave & Crag in Settle, The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley, from members of the choir, and on the door on the night.