Romsey Choral Society presents - Feel the Spirit

"I can't believe it's not Rutter!" goes the saying, often of music that only palely imitates the style that the soon-to-be 70-year-old composer who made beautiful, uplifting melodies, catchy rhythms, lively orchestration and impeccable musical grammar his hallmark at a time in our musical history when the ugly avant-garde was de rigueur.

Even if your choral experience barely stretches beyond the odd Christmas carol, chances are that John Rutter has on at least one occasion set your toe a tapping or sent a delightful shiver up your spine - indeed if your only dose of Rutter came during the recent royal wedding at Westminster Abbey? Well you're ready for a second helping of this internationally beloved tunesmith, and no better opportunity than to join Romsey Choral Society, the City of Southampton Orchestra, mezzo soprano Janet Shell and conductor Jamie W. Hall for a rousing and roof-raising rendition of some of Rutter's greatest works - the stunning Gloria, the 5 Orchestral Meditations - celebrating the rich heritage of the African-American spiritual with Michael Tippett's Five Spirituals from A Child of Our Time and Rutter's own Feel the Spirit which puts mezzo soprano Janet Shell centre stage. The show will open with American composer Randall Thompson's a capella Alleluia - an expansive and ecstatic setting which will showcase the singing prowess of a choir which is fast becoming one of the most admired in the area.

Expect to go home with a smile on your face and a high-quality ear-worm!