YORKSHIRE Bach Choir's March 18 concert "offers an unmissable chance to hear what is unquestionably one of the great masterpieces of classical music in a rare complete performance in York", according to conductor Peter Seymour.

The work he is extolling is Bach's Mass in B minor. "Completed in the final year of his life, the monumental Mass in B minor is arguably Bach’s greatest achievement," says Seymour. "Forming a compilation of earlier music, mainly cantata settings, it forms an extraordinary narrative of faith. All in all, it is the perfect realisation of his endlessly flexible and inventive musical style.

"From the arresting opening bars of the Kyrie to the spectacular homecoming of the Agnus Dei – with its soaring trumpets and unfolding choral lines –Bach takes us on an incredible musical journey. Emotionally, its content is as moving as it is joyous. The music is as complex as it is simple."

Soprano soloist Bethany Seymour, mezzo soprano Anna Huntley, tenor Jason Darnell and bass-baritone Frederick Long will complement the orchestral agility of the Yorkshire Baroque Soloists.

Long is establishing himself as one of Britain’s most exciting and versatile young bass-baritones with operatic engagements at Holland Park, London and Ilford Arts Festival and such concert highlights as the Matthew Passion at the Leith Hill Music Festival and the role of Messiah with the English Festival Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hal, London.

"It's always such a pleasure to perform Bach," says Long "His music has a directness of expression that is quite startling at times, combined with the richness and complexity that rewards continued study and investment. He can be pretty fun with his vocal writing too: often long, wide-ranging phrases with little room for breath."

Tickets for this 7.30pm to 9.45pm concert are on sale at £25, concessions £23, at the National Centre for Early Music, Walmagte, on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk. An excerpt of Yorkshire Bach Choir’s recording of Bach's Mass in B minor can be heard at bit.ly/YBPreview