LEVENS Choir is bringing a programme of Vivaldi to Kendal and Lancaster.

For this project, the Kendal-based choir has formed an ensemble called South Lakes Baroque led by guest soloist and leader Kinga Ujszászi - a violinist who has performed with many leading period instrument ensembles.  

The string section consists of locally-based musicians and the two oboists, Geoff Coates and Mark Baigent.

In addition to normal rehearsals, Kinga and the musical director Gawain Glenton are providing opportunities for the string players to explore together aspects of Baroque ensemble playing.

Gawain Glenton said: "This pair of concerts by Levens Choir provides a rare chance to hear Antonio Vivaldi's Sacred Music - all the drama, contrast and virtuosity associated with the music of Venice’s ‘Red Priest’ is found in his two major choral works Magnificat and Beatus Vir.

"It is a relatively little-known fact that Antonio Vivaldi was a busy composer of sacred music. Although best known today (and in his own lifetime) for his instrumental concertos such as The Four Seasons, Vivaldi wrote around 50 varied vocal pieces as part of his work with the foundling children at Venice’s La Pietá."

The concerts will occur on Saturday, April 27 at Kendal Parish Centre and Sunday, April 28 at Lancaster Cathedral.

Tickets are £18 and available online at levenschoir.net.