Ilkley chamber choir Cantores Olicanae, which this year celebrates its 25th season, starts a fresh chapter of its history this autumn with the appointment of Harrogate-based John Dunford as its new Musical Director.

And the choir is hoping to attract some more singing volunteers, particularly tenors.

Although Mr Dunford earns his living as a teacher - he is Director of Music at Ashville College, Harrogate - he also maintains a very busy professional musical career, as conductor, singer and, earlier in his career, church musician.

He currently conducts both Wetherby and Ripon Choral Societies and was, until recently, conductor of the St Oswald Singers in Sowerby.

In the past he has directed both the New Westminster Chorus and Marlow Choral Society and been deputy and guest conductor of the Sheffield Bach Society, as well as broadcasting on radio and television.

He sings regularly with Sheffield Bach Society and Sheffield Oratorio Chorus, in addition to performing in Wakefield Cathedral with the Yorkshire Chamber choir and other Yorkshire choral societies.

The choir's chairman, Dr David Rogerson, welcoming Mr Dunford's appointment, said "Members were impressed by his enthusiasm and ability to motivate a choir. His drive and ambition are just what we need."

Mr Dunford said: "In recent years my choral conducting has concentrated on larger choirs, so I look forward very much to working with a chamber choir like Cantores as an invigorating challenge for both the choir and myself."

During the forthcoming 2002-2003 season Cantores will perform five concerts, opening, on November 16 as part of Ilkley's Arts Festival, with performances of Beethoven's Mass in C and Haydn's Te Deum when the Ilkley Sinfonietta will also play music by Bach and Vaughan Williams in memory of violinist Carol Shulman, who died earlier this year.

Later concerts will feature Handel's Messiah and Mozart's Requiem mass in addition to the traditional Carol Concert at Christmas.

Rehearsals for what promises to be an exciting season start on Tuesday, September 3at 7.45pm in St Margaret's Church Hall.

l The choir has vacancies and new voices will be very welcome, particularly tenors. Those interested in joining the choir should come along to the first rehearsal or contact the secretary, Catherine Gibson, on (01943) 603967.