Versio a top Finnish Choir is on a short UK tour to Norfolk and London. The 12-strong choir will present a programme of sacred European music from the 16th to the 20th century and some contemporary Finnish music at St Mary’s Church, Forncett St Mary, on Monday, August 2 (7pm) and St Andrews Church, Norwich on Wednesday, August 4 (7.30pm).

There will also be master classes at St Andrews on Tuesday, August 3 (2pm – 5pm) and Wednesday, August 4 (10am – 1pm) – all welcome.

St Mary’s, Forncett St Mary – 7pm on Monday, August 2 – tickets £6 and £5 for Friends of St Mary’s, tel. 01508 481856. The church has been revitalised by the local community led by Graham Prior. Unused since 1980, St Mary’s is being restored and repaired and brought back to life as a community building. Church address: Low Rd, Forncett St Mary, NR16 1HG.


St Andrews Church, St Andrews Street, Norwich, www.standrewsnorwich.org – 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 4 (retiring collection). Also master classes with Versio from 2pm – 5pm on Tuesday, August 3 and 10am – 1pm on Wednesday, August 4 featuring three of the pieces from the concert. The classes will include detailed work on interpretation, technique and style – all are welcome. Tel 01603 744233.

The concerts and master classes are part of Norfolk Open Churches Week, Saturday, July 31 to Sunday, August 8. Full details at www.norfolkopenchurches.com, or pick up the Open Churches booklet at TICs and libraries throughout the county.

Versio’s repertoire includes:

Duarte Lŏbo (1563-1646): Audivi Vocem in Caelo.

Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599): Ave Virgo Sanctissima

Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611): Ave Maria Stella & Sancta Maria Sucurre Miseris

Urmas Sisask (1960-): Ave Maria & Allelulia

Gutiérrez Fernández Hildago (1553-1620): Magnificat Quarti Toni

Josquin Desprez (1450-1521): Ave Maria

Nicolas Gombert (1500-1557): Regina Caeli

Francis Poulenc (1899-1963): Salve Regina

Pierre de la Rue (1452-1518): O Salutaris Hostia

Arvo Părt (1935-) Magnificat

Jennie Hawks, Historic Places of Worship Support Officer, Diocese of Norwich said: “It is a real coup for Norfolk’s churches that Versio is travelling to the county during Open Churches Week. The concerts will be outstanding with the added bonus of two master classes in Norwich.”