Broughton-based charity Waverley Care are raising funds by selling chances to perform in a 400-strong choir.
Acclaimed Clasical composer John Rutter will conduct his own composition – Requiem – at St Cuthbert's Church in August. Singers will be accompanied by a small orchestra, organ, and professional soprano Susan Hamilton.
Born in 1945, Rutter is a popular composer whose musical education began in London and Cambridge before he went on to achieve international success.
'There is a tendency for more serious critics to look down their noses at Rutter's work, but this is unfair,' says a BBC website. 'It is, for the most part, pleasant to listen to and within the grasp of any decent church choir or choral society. It may not be as fashionably minimalist as Arvo Pärt, but it is good music – good to perform and good to listen to.'
Rutter has helped out Waverley Care before by running four workshops, but this is the first time he has taken part in a concert performance. The idea is to raise both money and awareness of the Mansfield Place charity's work for people across Scotland living with HIV and Hepatitis C.
Singers (£15 /£11 concession) can register by calling 0131 556 9710 or visiting www.waverleycare.org/rutter. Audience tickets are also available priced £10/£8 concession.
For more information please contact Karen Docwra, Waverley Care on 0131 556 9710 or email fund@waverleycare.org.
You can listen to Rutter's This is the Day, written especially for the Royal Wedding, at http://www.johnrutter.com/