TWO leading North-East classical musicians give a charity performance in aid of Durham Cathedral Choir Association (DCCA).

Saturday’s (May 28) concert, in the cathedral’s Holy Cross Chapel, features world-renowned lute player and guitarist Robin Thodey, plus tenor Deryck Webb.

They are supporting the association, which backs the cathedral’s musical provision, carrying an ethos that no talented youngster should be prevented from joining the choir for financial reasons.

Having first performed together last June, raising more than £900 for the DCCA, they hope to repeat the success this year.

They will perform a newly devised programme of songs for guitars of the Viennese Period, featuring works by Beethoven, Schubert, Giuliani and Spohr.

The guitar in use on Saturday was made in 1840, by Roudhloff.

Ms Thodey, who is in demand for concerts worldwide, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, said: “Although the songs were published for both keyboard and guitar, we do not often hear them with guitar accompaniment.

“Performing with original facsimile music, and with an instrument of the period, one is able to have an authentic experience of how these songs would have sounded for the composers of the time.

“They are very beautiful.”

Ms Thodey described the intimate setting for the recital as: “A wonderful Norman building with fantastic acoustics.”

Only 50 seats remain available for the recital, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets, costing £15, can be reserved via dcca@durhamcathedral.co.uk, the association’s email address.