On Friday, August 17, the 150-strong Gaudeamus Chorale will be performing Joseph Haydn's The Creation in Hereford Cathedral in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The Gaudeamus Chorale, coordinated by Anthony Ogden are a highly regarded amateur choir having toured Europe and the UK several times and performed at the Royal Festival Hall. We are delighted that her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, The

The choir will be conducted by Graham Wili, with Iestyn Evans on the organ. Soloists are Gail Pearson, soprano, Colin Judson, tenor and bariton Dyfed Wyn Evans.

Many commentators believe that Haydn was inspired to write The Creation after hearing Handel’s Messiah and Judas Maccabeus. But, when appearing on Desert Island Discs, the distinguished double bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku, focused on the story that Haydn had been invited to look at the heavens through William Herschel’s telescope. It is a wonderful image to carry in your mind as chaos gives way to light, and solo archangels Raphael, Uriel and Gabriel carry forward the story of creation, so enthusiastically taken up by the chorus.

All funds raised from the concert will go towards Cancer Research UK’s life saving research and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

Gaudeamus Chorale present Haydn's The Creation on Friday, August 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from The Courtyard - call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk