AMICI return for Christmas Concert

Following their debut last year at Bunbury with an excellent Messiah and a marvellous Easter concert with the Mozart Requiem, it is great news that Amici are to give another seasonal concert on the 2nd, December at St. Boniface. This time they will perform the first (Christmas) half of Messiah and then Benjamin Britten's Cantata, St. Nicholas.

If you're worried that Britten will be a little harder on the ear than Messiah, don't be. St. Nicholas is a wonderful retelling of the story of the patron saint of children, seamen and travellers - the original Santa Claus - incorporating his early life, miracles and even a storm at sea. Britten's ingenuity in producing relevant yet accessible music is well demonstrated by this work, which was written in 1948 to celebrate the centenary of Lancing College, Sussex. This is not difficult music but you will undoubtedly be moved by its power and depth.

Tell your friends about this - if you've not been to one of the Amici concerts at Bunbury in the past then you've missed a real treat! Once again, tickets are priced at £7.50 (£5.00 concessions) with a glass of wine at the interval. We would also very much appreciate help in the arrangements for this. An undertaking like this depends on a team of helpers, so if you can help, by contributing to the tea that we provide for the performers, distributing posters, selling (or buying!) advertising for the programme, moving pews or clearing up afterwards, please speak to George or Jill.

AMICI, which is Italian for friends, was formed in 1995 by conductor Raymond Lomax and his wife, Judith Tinston. Amici are now based on Middlewich and have performed in many venues throughout the north of England and as far afield as Cambridgeshire. They have appeared on B.B.C. Television, last year in the series "Lent in the Park" and recently on "Songs of Praise". They seem to enjoy coming to Bunbury and we are delighted that they are coming back for a third visit.

George Robey