RUSSIAN Orthodox Choir, The Hermitage Ensemble will perform in Rawdon this month.

The choir, from St Petersburg, will appear at Rawdon Parish Church on Friday, March 31 - its first ever performance in West Yorkshire.

The Hermitage Ensemble has become internationally acclaimed since it was was formed in St Petersburg in 1997 to keep alive the traditions of Russian sacred music and folksong. Members are chosen from among the finest soloists in St. Petersburg including the members of the Kirov Opera, Maly Opera Theatre and St. Petersburg Concert.

A spokesman for the church said: "Each singer has a passionate commitment to Russian music, but also an extensive repertoire that includes music written by the great classical composers of Western Europe.Their concert will include motets and liturgical settings from the Eastern Church written within the last 300 years, together with Russian folk songs that display a range of emotions and, with their rhythms and melodies, convey all that is characteristic of the great 'Russian Soul'.

The ensemble has performed around the globe with appearances in a number of European concerts as well as Australia, the USA, Canada, South Africa and China.

The concert, which starts at 8pm, takes place in the historic church of St Peter's, which was established in the mid 15th Century. Tickets cost £10, or £8 for a limited number booked early, and include a drink and light refreshments. They can be bought online from EventBrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hermitage-ensemble-russian-singers-tickets-31093513536 or from Rawdon Parish Church.

Before the performance there will be a free reading of the poems of John Donne, from 7.00pm to 7.45 pm, to mark his commemoration day. Readers will include former Calendar presenter Geoff Druett, actor Martin Kelly, historian Dr Janet Kelly, story teller Sue Giotoni, educational consultant Peter Marsh, the Rev Mark Smith and Dr Angela Birkin. Readings will include John Donne's earlier erotic poems, his later spiritual poems and meditations.