A SINGING ensemble founded in Durham is returning to perform in a classic setting near the city in a one-off concert at the weekend.

Renaissance, led by Ben Rowarth, are a mixed voice nine-strong national touring ensemble formed at Durham University and comprising mainly of its musical graduates.

They return to the region to perform as part of Ushaw College’s Open for All programme of concerts, on Saturday (April 25).

Singing in the grand surrounds of St Cuthbert’s Chapel, at the former Roman Catholic seminary, they will perform the programme Darkness into Light, which features music for Lent, reflecting on Christ’s passion, into music for Easter and Pentecost.

It includes at its centrepiece 16th Century English composer John Sheppard’s most famous work, Media Vita.

The rest of the programme include music from the 16th to 20th centuries, with works by Tallis, Schutz, Poulenc and Taverner.

Mr Rowarth, the ensemble founder and figurehead, is looking forward to a return to the Durham area, where he excelled as a music and choral scholar and founded Renaissance.

“It’ll be wonderful to be back home in Durham, singing in Ushaw College, with the extraordinary architecture of the chapel, combined with the glorious acoustic will, I hope, make for a very special evening for choir and audience alike.”

The performance starts at 7.30pm, with tickets, costing £10 each, available from the Gala Theatre box office, on (03000) 266600, or on the door, on the night.

Further details are available via the college website, www.ushaw.org, or by ringing 0191-373 8510.