BRADFORD Festival Choral Society will be striking out in new directions at its next concert on November 19, 7.30pm at Bradford Grammar School.

The choir is known for its performances of traditional classical works such as Handel’s Messiah and Verdi’s Requiem but the next performance features enchanting medieval songs (written for Spanish pilgrims, to stop them singing bawdy songs!) and stunning contemporary works by ?riks Ešenvalds, Eric Whitacre and Stephen Paulus. Eric Whitacre, a young American composer described as ‘one of the most popular musicians of his generation’ has worked with singers such as Annie Lennox and Laura Mvula.

“Who are they? some of you might ask” says the choir’s renowned conductor Tom Leech. “The best way to find out is to come and hear their music for yourself – works of shimmering beauty, warmth and wonder." Tom will also give a free pre-concert talk about the background to the music for those who are interested.

Maggie Eisner, the choir’s Chair, added: “Our rehearsals are going really well! This kind of music is unfamiliar to many of us, but it’s wonderful - it sends tingles down your spine. A friend who sat in on a rehearsal said that one of the Ešenvalds pieces ‘made her heart melt’.”

The choir has organised this event as part of its plan to bring a range of choral music to a wider audience in Bradford. They’re expecting to surprise and delight their regular audience who have said they enjoy being exposed to new kinds of music but also hope to attract music lovers who might not want to sit through long traditional choral works.

Some of the pieces feature the choir’s glorious unaccompanied voices, while others will be accompanied by Christopher Pulleyn, BFCS’s Assistant Musical Director, on the piano, and by an intriguing range of unusual percussion instruments.

Prices are £16 (full), £14 (concessions). There is a group rate of five for £55 and under 18s are free. Tickets in advance from the choir’s website www.bradfordfestivalchoralsociety.org.uk. Or available on the night.