WYE Valley Music’s Christmas concert at St Briavels Church will feature a Cardiff-based octet of current and former students from The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Solstice Choral Ensemble was formed at the RWCMD in 2022 by a group of friends with a shared love of singing together.

Each member has completed studies in voice and opera, allowing them to explore a wide range of repertoire, from early masterpieces of the choral tradition to rich romantic period pieces, as well as collaborations with new composers.

Their programme on Sunday, December 8 (3pm), is an enticing mix of Christmas music across the ages, with an international flavour, sung in Welsh, English, German, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish – and American!

As well as familiar highlights by composers such as Handel, Berlioz, Britten, Barber, Howells and Wolf, they will also present some intriguing lesser-known music.

Solstice have performed at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Fringe Festival, Brecon Choir Festival, and The Sixteen’s Sounds Sublime Festival.

Members have all embarked on successful careers, performing in solo operatic roles and oratorios, concerts, and cathedral and other choirs.

Several have a strong interest in composition and/or community music-making and outreach work in music education, with some contributing to WVM’s outreach programmes, bringing live music to children in schools and performing in Music Memory Cafes and care homes.

WVM’s December concert is always a perfect start to the festive season (mince pies included).

Book on https://www.wyevalleymusic.org.uk or leave a message on the help line 01291 330020.

Tickets are £18 (£15 WVM members) and £5 for students 25 and under).