THE acclaimed voices of Staveley Choral Society are back on song tomorrow (Saturday, 7.30pm) with the final concert of its season.

With Sue Osmaston conducting, Staveley's St James's Church hosts the concert featuring soloists soprano Samantha Hay; mezzo-soprano Karina Lucas; tenor Craig Steele; and bass Trevor Connor.

An added treat is the appearance of the Queen Katherine School Saxophone Ensemble, a talented outfit of players, highly-regarded by the region's concert-goers.

The programme includes Haydn's Nelson Mass, also known as the Coronation Mass, or the Imperial Mass because of its ceremonial nature.

It was composed in honour of Horatio Nelson and is the third of the six famous masses, which Haydn composed between 1796 and 1802, when he was in his mid-sixties and staying in London.

Haydn depicts Nelson as victor and liberator from French Imperialism after his victory at the battle of Aboukir. And the momentous, almost demonic outburst of fanfares in the Benedictus tends to reflect the historic event in the music.

The mass was performed two years later in front of Lord Nelson, who was guest at the court of Prince Esterhazy at Eisenstadt, when Haydn was employed as conductor to the court.

Tomorrow's performance signals the end of a chapter for Clive Osgood, the society's organist, as he leaves Lakeland this summer to take up a new teaching appointment at Hirstpierpoint College in Brighton.

Clive has been living and working in South Lakeland since September 2002. In that time, he has certainly made his mark on the local music scene as a teacher at The Lakes and Windermere St Anne's schools and playing organ regularly for services at Kendal Parish Church.

In between his organ playing, Clive has found time to compose music for his pupils, for Kendal Parish Church, and for the choral society. Two of his pieces, Daffodils and To a Butterfly, feature in tomorrow night's programme.

Meanwhile, Sue is looking for a new accompanist to take over from Clive in readiness for next season. Anyone interested should contact her on 015394-43782.

Tickets for the concert are available from D&H Woof, Staveley Post Office and from choir members, price £6.50/ children £3 and including a buffet supper.