A CHORAL Society is to hold a concert in memory of its musical director who died earlier this year.

Horsforth Choral Society will commemorate the life and work of Kathryn Woodruff, who lost her life to cancer in July, and who the group described as an outstanding musician and human being.

The concert, in St Margaret's Church on Tuesday, will include Mozart’s Ave Verum, Vivaldi’s Gloria and three Bach pieces including Watchet Auf.

Kathryn Woodruff, who was known as Kate, was born in Leicestershire in 1954 and after studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester started her professional career in as a teacher in Leeds, at City of Leeds, West Leeds Girls and finally at Abbey Grange.

A spokeswoman for the concert said: "As a teacher she was notable for her many extra-curricular activities – a concert band, school productions, trips abroad – her effort, enthusiasm and results had a profound effect on the lives of those she worked with. She sang with the St Peter’s Singers and was an outstanding soloist performing all over the country.

"In 2006 she was appointed Conductor of Horsforth Choral Society and her partnership with this choir produced some memorable concerts. The choir does not demand an audition, just a great love of singing and a capacity for hard work.

"Under Kate’s direction people who had never sung in a choir became confident and proficient singers. She taught them the rudiments of breath control and singing technique and the sound they produced as their repertoire became more ambitious won them a loyal following and favourable reviews.

"Her secret was to combine musicianship with a mischievous sense of humour which kept rehearsals challenging and entertaining. On occasion she took a solo role as well as conducting at concerts. Her voice was a warm mezzo-soprano and as one reviewer commented she was 'technically utterly brilliant, assured and controlled, burning with spirituality'."

In 2001 she left full time teaching and became a peripatetic singing teacher in Ampleforth, Dewsbury, and Leeds. This also left her more time for her two daughters, charity work, walking, her lace-making and church activities. She cared for her husband throughout a long illness and then for her mother.

The spokeswoman said: "Kate Woodruff made the most of her many talents and Leeds Minster was packed on July 29 when all those touched by her influence gathered to pay tribute to a truly remarkable woman."

The concert will start at 7.30pm. The conductor will be Matthew Lazenby. Tickets, costing £8 or £5 for students, can be bought on the night or by ringing 0113 258 7925. Children under 18 are admitted free.