On Saturday, March 17, four days before the 333rd anniversary of J S Bach's birth, Helston Chamber Choir will perform his St John Passion, for only the second time in the choir's 46 year history.

The first was in April 1976, when it was performed in Truro Cathedral and St Michael's Church, by the Helston and Kerrier Music Society, the chamber choir's predecessor, under the Rev John Simpson, then vicar of St Michael's and the society's founder.

The performance will be in English, using the New Novello Choral Edition by Neil Jenkins published in 1999. The choir and small orchestra will be under the direction of Nigel Wicken, who has been musical director for the past two years.

Soloists come from outside and within the choir. Nicholas Hurndall Smith, a professional tenor, will perform as Evangelist. Other soloists are: Jesse Giuliani, baritone, as Jesus; Simeon Royle, bass, as Pilate; and Michael White, tenor.

From within the choir, Kate Banfield Rickard, soprano, and Ruth Williams, alto. The organ accompaniment will be played by Michael Hoeg, former assistant organist at Llandaff Cathedral, now organist at King Charles the Martyr Church, Falmouth.

The choir will be taking this opportunity to remember their long-time friend and colleague, the late George Shutter by making a donation towards a commemorative seat to be sited in the grounds of St. Michael’s Church.

George was not only a supremely talented rehearsal and concert piano accompanist for the Helston Chamber Choir for many years, but his name was synonymous with all things musical in West Cornwall and nowhere more so than in and around Helston.

Concert tickets for the performance, which starts at 7.30pm, are now on sale at Heathercraft in Helston or by calling 01209 831672. They costs £8 in advance or £10 on the door.