A CONCERT, dedicated to the late Sir Neville Marriner, a world famous conductor, is being hosted by Lyme Bay Chorale’s Christmas Concert at St Michael’s Parish Church in Lyme Regis.

Music has been chosen from four centuries of Christmas music for the concert on December 10 including much-loved carols and rare treats.

Included are a Tudor anthem by the English composer Richard Dering, Quem vidists parstores for unaccompanied voices and Purcell’s sparkling Behold I bring you glad tidings for baritone solo, trio, choir and strings.

From the 20th Century is John Joubert’s There is no Rose of such virtue and Welsh composer William Matias’s popular Sir Christemas.

Diedrich Buxtehude’s The little newborn Jesus child was written in the latter part of the 17th century and together with Shubert’s Magnificat, chorus, strings and quartet are the centrepiece which frame the concert.

The guest conductor for this occasion is Dr Richard Hall, the director of the Dorset Rural Music School based in Blandford Forum.

Musical director Alex Davies said: “Richard is a wonderfully warm and relaxing person to work with and brings a huge wealth of experience to the choir. We were rather amazed to find he rides over on his motorbike from Blandford to rehearse the choir, arriving in his leathers.”

Chairperson Caroline Whitaker added: “Classical music is at its least pompous in Richard’s hands. It’s brilliant fun!”

Tickets, £15, are available from Lyme and Bridport’s TICs, and from Penny Black’s Tea Room in Lyme and include a buffet provided by the choir.