ONE of the world's greatest masterpieces of choral music will be performed in Durham Cathedral next month.

Durham Choral Society will present Beethoven's Missa Solemnis on Saturday, February 1, in its first concert of the season.

Considered the greatest choral work after Bach's B Minor Mass, Beethoven wrote it in the latter part of his career.

It was first performed in 1824 and was described as a "work of eternity".

The conductor for the concert will be Richard Brice and the soloists Jennifer Smith, Alison Kettlewell, Simon Kirkbride and Joseph Cornwell.

Membership of the choir is at its highest for some time.

"We attracted many new members when a while ago we presented Mozart's Requiem and they have stayed with us,'' said a choir spokesman.

"It is such a friendly choir and has a high reputation in the area.

"At the moment, we have 120 singers and are strong in all voices," he said. "We rehearse in St Margaret's Church, in Durham, and perform in Durham Cathedral.

He added: "The cathedral as a venue is envied by other choral societies. We are very fortunate to be allowed to perform there because the ambience and atmosphere when you are singing these big sacred works is exceptional."

Tickets cost £5, £8 and £12 and are available from secretary David Crookes on 0191-384 5515 or from the city's Tourist Information Centre in the Gala Theatre complex, Millennium Place, Claypath.