IT certainly is the season to sing and members of Bolton Chamber Choir are in fine voice for their concert.

Singers will perform their first concert with their new musical director Stewart Hankinson.

The four part choir consists of about 16 members, some of whom have been with the choir for more than 20 years.

Founded in 1961, Bolton Chamber Choir has established itself as one of the finest small choirs in the north-west of England.

The choir has maintained a reputation for "vigorous, stylish performances, attention to detail and imaginative programme planning".

The choir performs around five concerts a year covering a wide range of styles from Renaissance to contemporary music.

Glennis Aston, Chairman of Bolton Chamber Choir said: "They sing a wide range of chamber music, form mediaeval madrigals to living composers, and in the past year have performed works by Brahms, Vivaldi, Rutter, Gershwin and Britten to name just a few."

Stewart took over the role of musical director in September, after their previous director moved to London to further his musical career.

The concert will include traditional pieces by composers including Mozart as well as more modern pieces, including by Archer.

And no concert at this time of year would be complete without festive music.

Glennis said: "Stewart has extensive experience with choral and operatic groups, having formed his first choir when he was 15 years old.

"He has been involved with award-winning choirs which has included gaining the first prize at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod. He is widely experienced as an operatic and recital singer, and is an accomplished pianist and organist."

As a concert singer, Stewart has performed in venues from Scotland to Surrey; at the South Bank and Royal Albert Hall; on radio and television and abroad in Germany and Spain.

The concert, ‘A Season to Sing’ will include short pieces by Bach, Brahms and Mozart, as well as more modern pieces by Rutter, Chilcott and Archer.

Violinist Matthew Chadbond will play some short pieces, and the concert will include some Christmas music.

A ‘Season to Sing’ will be at The Triangle Church, Delph Hill, BL1 5QP, on Saturday, December 15 at 7.30.

Tickets are available on the door.