MILLEGRO, the York community choir with the world music repertoire, are preparing for their winter concerts with the promise of innovative material researched by musical director Ewa Salecka.

The choir first performed a winter festive programme at the National Centre For Early Music in York three years ago, and this year Ewa once more will showcase a new wave of international composers at events both at home and abroad.

“We’ll be embracing carols from across the globe in our carol concerts with a difference, featuring original contemporary material and arrangements of Christmas classics that few will be familiar with,” she says.

Millegro will be accompanied by pianist Greg Birch and guest musicians at a series of December concerts but first the choir will herald the start of Advent by participating in the 14th Advent and Christmas Song Festival in Budapest from November 28 to December 1.

This international four-day event has previously attracted more than 2,500 singers. Millegro will join the merry throng to sing in some of Budapest’s world heritage sites, such as the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica.

On returning to Britain, they will perform at Pocklington Arts Centre on December 7 at 7.30pm; be the leading choir at the York Community Carol Service at York Barbican on December 15 at 2.30pm; and will close their season with a last chance to hear their winter songs at York Guildhall on December 18 at 8pm.

Limited seats are available for the Guildhall finale, so early booking is recommended through email sent to millegro@gemmusic.co.uk.

Full details of Millegro’s calendar and ticket information can be found at millegro.com