SINGERS from Hereford Choral Society are growing moustaches in imitation of composer Sir Edward Elgar ahead of their performance of one of his works, The Light of Life, in Hereford Cathedral on November 15.

A group of tenors and basses from the choir have taken on the challenge in support of the 2014 international Movember campaign, which aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues and funds to support research and treatment programmes for prostate and testicular cancer, mental illness and other risks to men’s health. They have formed a Hereford Choral Society team which can be sponsored through a dedicated Movember page on the choir’s website (www.herefordchoralsociety.org/movember).

The stunt is the brainchild of the choir’s deputy chairman, Mark Ewins. ‘Ask anyone what is most memorable about Sir Edward Elgar other than his music and the answer will almost certainly be “his moustache”,’ said Mr Ewins. ‘As our November concert features a piece by Elgar some gentlemen of the chorus felt it would be a good opportunity to take a leaf out of his book and emulate his “Magnificent Mo”, supporting a good cause while making an impact on stage.’ The singers jumped the gun a little and packed away their razors during October in order to ensure that their moustaches would be in fine fettle in time for the concert. ‘We are gently competitive and will be judged on the day to see which of us has most closely aspired to Elgar’s magnificence!’ said Mr Ewins.

‘Those who are unable to take part because they can’t or don’t want to grow a mo – such as our soprano and alto choir members! – can still sign up, or simply donate to the cause. Even as an audience member you can join in the campaign and become a Mo Bro, or support us as a Mo Sista.’ In addition to Elgar’s The Light of Life, the November 15 concert will feature the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner’s stirring setting of the Te Deum. Both are hugely dramatic works, full of vocal and orchestral colour and excitement. The Light of Life was commissioned for the 1896 Three Choirs Festival; rarely performed today, it is notable in its own right but also gives very clear hints of what was to come in Elgar’s better-known oratorios that lay ahead.

Soloists in the concert by Hereford Choral Society are Susanna Hurrell (soprano), Jeanette Ager (mezzo-soprano), Justin Lavender (tenor) and David Stout (bass). The orchestra is the Hereford Sinfonia and the performance will be conducted by Geraint Bowen.

Geraint Bowen commented: ‘Although Elgar’s The Light of Life is relatively little-known today, I think it is a terrific piece which deserves to be heard more often. However I should make it clear that I do not intend to grow a moustache for the occasion! It might put off the orchestra and choir members, and besides I don’t think my wife would like it.’ Hereford Choral Society’s autumn concert featuring Sir Edward Elgar’s The Light of Life and Anton Bruckner’s Te Deum takes place at 7.30pm on November 15 in Hereford Cathedral.

Tickets priced £10-£25 are available online from the choir’s website www.herefordchoralsociety.org or from the ticket secretary, Claire Hancock 08454 633124 tickets@herefordchoralsociety.org.

Adults may bring up to two children under 16 free of charge.