THE Unicorn Singers return to Dore Abbey for a sound spectacular, celebrating the musical splendours of Venice, with music by Monteverdi and Gabrieli.

"This is wonderful music," says Steve Marshall, director of the Unicorns. "Monteverdi's music is so enticing and original and, in these later works, there are some truly great moments. Our programme aims to demonstrate the many ways in which Monteverdi writes for voices, and the sensational soundworlds that were created in Venice before and after 1600." The music of the Gabrielis will also play an important role in the concert. Its multi-layered textures were to become the hallmark of the city’s music-making at St Mark's Basilica, and audiences at Dore Abbey will experience colourful settings by Gabrieli that epitomise the pomp and ceremony which attended many of these Venetian rituals.

The singers will be joined by the QuintEssential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble and an array of top-drawer soloists, including tenors Charles Daniels and

Nicholas Mulroy, soprano Grace Davidson and mezzo-soprano Catherine King.

Tickets for Venetian Splendour on Sunday, September 28 at 6pm, are available from Abergavenny Music on 01873 853394, The Outback in Hereford, 01432 275063 or call 01873 821456.