Based at St Paul's Church, Chichester, the festival enjoyed a highly-successful inaugural outing two years ago – and is back now to build for the future.
On Saturday January 23, the festival launches with a free lunchtime recital at 12.30pm, gi
ven by the local group Four Bassoons and a Sombrero, says festival director Christopher Larley.
"At 7.30pm that night, following the enormous success of the previous concert in 2008 involving the gentlemen of Chichester Cathedral Choir, there is the gala concert.
"This will involve several of Chichester's leading ensembles, namely St Richards Singers, Renaissance Choir, Chichester Voices, Chantry Quire, St Paul's Church Choir and Chichester Symphony Orchestra.
"Each group will perform an individual programme of sacred and secular music, and the concert will culminate with a massed performance of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. This promises to be an exciting concert with something to appeal to everyone, and is a chance to hear several talented ensembles in one concert.
"The music will include , amongst a packed programme, Bruckner Ave Maria, Wood Hail Gladdening Light, Lauridsen O Magnum Mysterium, Delius Sleigh Ride and Burton Spirituals."
The idea behind the festival to mark the Feast of St Paul's conversion with music and worship, trying to involve not just the congregation of St Paul's Church but also the wider Chichester community.
The tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children, and can be bought from the St Paul's parish office on 01243 533403. All proceeds will go to the Building On Success appeal.
On Sunday January 24 there will be a Festival Eucharist at 10am involving the whole church community, with the Bishop of Chichester John Hind presiding.
For further details of any events in the festival, contact Christopher on 01243 528318 or larley@ukonline.co.uk.
