HOW many voices does it take to raise the roof of Worcester Cathedral with that ever popular Christmas classic, Handel's Messiah?

Worcester Festival Choral Society hopes that 150 voices will be more than enough for a truly rousing rendition of one of the world’s best-known choral works, which includes the famous Hallelujah Chorus.

Ben Cooper, Chairman of Worcester Festival Choral Society, said: “Handel’s Messiah is always a highlight in the musical calendar. It’s a real treat, not only for the audience but the performers too.

"We’re expecting the cathedral to be packed."

He added: "Heralding the Christmas season in grand musical style, the concert features the Meridian Sinfonia orchestra playing period instruments, and acclaimed soloists Sarah Fox (soprano), Clare McCaldin (mezzo-soprano), Nathan Vale (tenor) and Quentin Hayes (baritone).

"Peter Nardone, organist and director of Music at Worcester Cathedral, will conduct."

Handel’s Messiah is among the most popular pieces of music ever written, packed with familiar choruses such as ‘For unto us a child is born’ and ‘And he shall purify’.

The rousing Hallelujah Chorus is the most famous section however, for which audiences usually stand – a tradition thought to have begun when King George II rose to his feet at the debut London performance in 1743.

Established in 1861, Worcester Festival Choral Society’s singers are selected from across the region.

The society stages three major concerts in Worcester Cathedral each year, "performing some of the world’s great choral works".

Many of its members sing in the world-renowned, annual Three Choirs Festival, which in 2017 returns to Worcester from July 22 to July 29.

The choir's performance of Messiah will take place on Saturday, December 10, from 7.30pm

Tickets and further details on, 01905 611427.

Tickets may be available on the door, subject to availability.