A tribute to one of our greatest composers will help in getting the festive season off to a wonderful start in Teignmouth on Friday, December 5.

Teign Choral Society will be presenting their ever popular traditional Christmas Carol Concert at St James’ Church in the town starting at 7.30pm .

After many truly memorable concerts over fifteen years David Bowles is no longer the society’s music director and his role has now been filled by new musical director Ilana Jacobs.

For this year’s concert she thought it appropriate to commemorate the life and work of one of our most loved composers Sir John Rutter.

Sir John recently celebrated his 80th birthday and is a man who has done so much to broaden and strengthen people’s love of the Christmas story, through so many compositions and arrangements, such as the three chosen to represent distinctive aspects of the story.

The Christmas Lullaby focuses on Mary’s love for her baby. In the Wexford carol, the baritone soloist, Peter Wood, invites everyone to consider God’s gift of his son and What Sweeter Music emphasises how the event changed our perceptions, for example turning December into May.

There will also be a selection of well-loved carols for everyone to sing and accompanist Hannah Spooner will provide strong yet subtle support. Soloist Peter Wood sings regularly with us and his positive effect is always very much appreciated.

Entry to the 7.30pm on December 5 concert is £10, and that will include refreshments and programme.

Tickets will be available on the door on the night either, from choir members or from Ashleigh Way Post Office, Teign Music in Carlton Place and Regent Style in Regent Street in Teignmouth.