OKEHAMPTON Choral Society will perform one of the most famous choral works at their spring concert on Saturday May 5.

The group will perform Handel's Messiah, an English language oratorio composed in 1741.

The orchestra of the Okement Players, led by Paul Matthews, will be specially augmented for the occasion and will be directed by John Holland.

John said: 'It has been a real pleasure to rehearse this music over the past few months. Its vitality, energy and sheer drama come up fresh every time.

'It is an astounding musical fact that the whole piece was written in less than three weeks, and we really look forward to the experience of the full performance on May 5.'

The four visiting soloists for the performance are soprano Christine Marsden, mezzo soprano Rebecca Smith, Gordon Pike from Exeter Cathedral and John Hobbs, well known for his leadership of several Devon choral societies.

The concert takes place in Fairplace Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Beanfeast in the Arcade, or on the door at the subsidised rate of £8 and £4 for students. Seating capacity is limited due to the large numbers of performers taking part.