OTLEY Choral Society along with sister choir from Ilkley will perform an extravaganza of music by JS Bach next week – their final concert under the leadership of their conductor Alan Horsey.

The choir will be joined at Otley Parish Church on Saturday, April 24, at 7.30pm by the Yorkshire Chamber Ensemble and professional soloists.

The choirs will perform Bach’s Magnificat in D as well as the lesser known Cantata No. 80 (Ein Feste Burg). Alan Horsey will also swap roles from conductor to soloist to give a performance of Bach’s popular Concerto in D Major for harpsichord.

Alan first began conducting the choir when asked to take over for just a few weeks to cover for the then incumbent conductor.

Nineteen years later, Alan is now hanging up his baton and is able to start his well-earned retirement.

He will be sadly missed by both choirs for his patience and encouragement, as well as his stories of his early days in the West Country and how to keep chickens.

The concert will also be the last performance for a while by the choir at Otley Parish Church as the wonderful building is about to benefit from a massive programme of building works. While the rebuilding takes place, the choirs will perform at other venues close to Otley.

The choirs are pleased to welcome the soloists who are taking part. Three have successfully performed with the choir during recent years.

The choirs are delighted that Neil Baker (bass), Stephen Harrold (tenor), Katie Trethewey (soprano) and Robert Ogden (counter tenor) are joining them and their experiences and quality of performing early music should enhance and add depth to the evening’s performance.

Once again, the choir will be accompanied by the Yorkshire Chamber Ensemble under the leadership of Sally Robinson.

Tickets for the performance are available by phone on 01943 462653 or at the door, and cost £15 including a programme.