WHEN Geraint Bowen was appointed Musical Director of Hereford Choral Society, their 165th Season was fully planned, with programmes chosen and soloists already booked.

It is a pure coincidence that the soprano soloist at Geraint's first concert on Saturday, November 17th at 7.30pm will be his wife, Lucy, who is an experienced recitalist and oratorio soloist.

The concert in Hereford Cathedral includes two popular works, Haydn's 'Nelson' Mass and Faur's Requiem.

Haydn wrote his Mass at the time of Nelson's victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile and it is a lively, happy work, while the Requiem is full of beautiful, languid tunes.

Mr Bowen has been rehearsing with the chorus since September and has gladly endorsed the choice of programme.

Lucy Bowen, who has sung with the Society several times before, most recently last December, is joined on the platform by William Missin, countertenor, whose performing repertoire ranges from choral renaissance music to contemporary choral music; Andrew Yeats, tenor, who has performed a wide variety of oratorio and concert works and Nicholas Gedge, bass, whose growing popularity with Hereford audiences reflects his concert and oratorio experience. The Society is joined by Orchestra da Camera, led by Christopher Hirons, and Peter Dyke, organ.

Information from the ticket secretary, Mrs Anne Smyth on 01432 268663. Unreserved tickets available from The Outback, Church Street, Hereford, The Cathedral Shop and at St John's Door on the evening of the concert.

s Soprano Lucy Bowen who will perform with Hereford Choral Society in the first concert of their new season