YORK Opera will join the festive spirit in their Rejoice And Be Merry concert at the National Centre for Early Music, York, on December 19.

Members plunged straight into rehearsals for this Christmas celebration after their early November production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates Of Penzance at York Theatre Royal, preparing a joyful selection of festive music from around the world with the emphasis on folk traditions from home and abroad.

Next week’s concert is an opportunity for the whole company to join together as a choir, whatever their various jobs have been in the autumn production.

The choir will be made up of chorus members, principals, directors, set designers and construction and publicity team members, while Alasdair Jamieson, the musical director for Pirates, will provide piano accompaniment. The conductor will be Margaret Griffiths, who was musical director for York Opera’s 2013 production of Verdi’s Nabucco.

Tickets for an evening of music and readings for Christmas cost £12, concessions £8, on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk