In a feast of Christmas music The New Choral Singers will perform their annual seasonal concert entitled Musical Tidings on Tuesday, 19 December at St Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Valletta and Friday, 22 December at Floriana Parish Church under the direction of Wayne Marshall and the choir's resident conductor, Mauro Farrugia.

World-acclaimed BBC Proms virtuoso organist and conductor, Marshall is currently chief conductor of WDR Funkhausorchester Cologne and organist and associate artist of the Bridgewater Hall.

Under the musical guidance of Mauro Farrugia, this being his first Christmas with the group, the choir has carefully prepared an expansive range of Christmas carols that are bound to appeal to audiences of all ages. These include traditional numbers such as Ding! Dong! Merrily on High, O Gesu Helwa Tarbija, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen as well as select pieces from contemporary composers and songs dating back to the 16th century.

As in prior years the audience will enjoy Wayne Marshall's skills on the organ and in the spirit of Christmas, the audience will be invited to join the choir in song for some traditional favourites.

The concerts are free to enter, although the organisers hope that the audience will give generously to raise funds for the Pro Cathedral and the Karl Vella Foundation.

Both performances begin at 7.30pm though it is recommended to arrive early to secure a seat.

The Karl Vella Foundation was set up in May 2014, only a few months after the loss of Karl.  KVF, as the Foundation is known, provides educational and psychological support to children between the ages of five and 17 years who are going through a tough time because one of their parents or siblings has serious health problems. The KVF operates from a small building in the President's Kitchen Garden where children are helped with their homework and their studies, are given something to eat and drink, have various activities going on for different age groups and should the need arise, both children and parents are given psychological assistance by professionals. All the services offered by KVF are absolutely free of charge.

These concerts are being held with the kind support of AtoZ Electronics, Floreal by Bjorn Borg and Lewis Press.

For more information visit www.thenewchoralsingers.com and www.karlvellafoundation.org