THEY’VE had an exciting year and the delight continues for Huddersfield Singers with the arrival of Gordon Stewart (pictured) as their Christmas concert guest.

In addition to concert work, the Singers have recorded the soundtrack for a Shakespeare production at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, taken part in in a highly successful twinning venture with a similar choir from Surrey, and recently, contributing to Mesh, the education and outreach project that was part of the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

December 8 sees them return to St Paul’s Hall in Huddersfield for the concert featuring Gordon Stewart, who was borough organist in Kirklees for 17 years.

The programme will be of music entirely by British composers. Gordon will accompany the choir in two works by Benjamin Britten, his Missa Brevis and Rejoice in the Lamb, as well as exciting Christmas music by the late Welsh composer William Mathias, Ave Rex.

In addition, Gordon is to play Noel Rawsthorne’s Variations on Wachet auf! and Andrew Carter’s Toccata on VeniŠEmmanuel. Gordon was well-known for championing the works of both these composers when he played and ran the popular lunchtime organ recitals.

The programme will also include Five English Folksongs by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Tickets are available at the door or may be ordered by telephoning 01484 315064. The concert begins at 7.30pm.