MONMOUTH Choral Society will be raising the roof of St Mary's Church when they celebrate nature in a concert that will premiere a new piece inspired by the River Wye.

A Love of Nature on Saturday, May 18, will see the first airing for Wye, a new work by accomplished composer Eloise Gynn, alongside works by Hayden and Benjamin Britten.

A choir spokesperson said: "Join us for a captivating concert featuring Benjamin Britten's timeless masterpiece Rejoice In The Lamb, alongside enchanting excerpts from Creation by Joseph Haydn.

"And be among the first to witness the debut of a mesmerising new composition Wye by the incredibly talented Eloise Gynn."

Eloise’s music has been described as "ethereal, glowering, soft edged and ruminative", and she has had works performed by the London Sinfonietta and the London Symphony Orchestra.

The origin of the new work began just before the pandemic, when Monmouth Male Voice Choir linked up with Eloise as part of the Adopt a Music Creator scheme, with members providing her with poems, songs and other musings on the river.

The MCS spokesperson added: "Step into the historic ambiance of St Mary's Priory Church and let the soaring melodies and intricate harmonies transport you to another realm.

"From Britten's poignant reflections to Haydn's majestic storytelling, and the innovative sounds of Gynn's contemporary creation, every note promises to stir your soul and ignite your imagination."

The concert will be lead by musical director Steven Kings and features soprano Dani May, alto Arabella Butler, tenor Tim Burton, bass Will Drakett and organ/piano Mark Lee.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets £18 (under 18s free) are available via www.monmouthchoralsociety.co.uk, on 01594 531496 or on the door.