MORE than a hundred musicians will join forces in Chelmsford Cathedral next month for a performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s dramatic Vespro della beata Vergine, known as the Monteverdi Vespers.

The production combines soloists, choirs and a baroque orchestra and for the first time at Chelmsford Cathedral, the musicians will be dispersed around the entire building bringing authentic echo and drama to the performance. The audience will be seated in facing rows to experience views and sounds of the musicians in a unique way.

The performance sees city choir the Chelmsford Singers joining forces with the Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Girls’ Choir and period ensemble Canzona.

James Davy, Organist and Master of the Choristers at the Cathedral and Director of the Chelmsford Singers, said: “This is a fascinating and monumental piece of music and a great opportunity for us to use the fantastic surroundings of the Cathedral to create an exciting production. It’ll be like listening in surround sound!

“We’re delighted to be welcoming a first-rate orchestra and superb soloists, so this is a unique event not to be missed.”

The performance begins at 7pm on Saturday, November 15, and is presented in conjunction with local law firm, Birkett Long, established supporters of the Cathedral’s musical programme.

Tickets are priced at £15 and £20 and are available via Ticketsource from www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk or by calling 0333 666 3366. Web transactions are subject to a per-ticket booking fee and there is additional service charge for telephone bookings.