One of the island’s largest choirs has its sights set on the coming autumn for their ’spring’ concert.

The Isle of Man Choral Society have rescheduled their grand 2020 concert, to be held at the Villa Marina, for Friday, September 25, at 7.30pm.

The concert was originally scheduled for this coming Sunday, March 29 from 3pm.

The choir were due to perform grand versions of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia and Orff’s Carmina Burana and was to have featured more than 250 performers in all, including UK soloist Helen Power, Cleveland Medal winner Graham Crowe and pianists Jennifer Bird and Judith Christian, alongside the Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra, the Mannin Youth Choir and a troupe of gymnasts from Ellan Vannin Gymnastics.

The musical director of the choral society, Julian Power, said that their guest performers will all still join the choir in September, and that they were disappointed to be forced to cancel their concert.

’The choir were on top form at their rehearsals on Sunday, March 15,’ said Julian.

’However, it was obvious almost immediately thereafter that the March performance could not be held.

’With over 250 performers in all set to take part, we are now looking forward with enthusiasm to presenting both the Choral Fantasia and Carmina Burana in their respective glories at the end of September, when it is hoped that the coronavirus pandemic will be behind us and we can all enjoy our usual freedoms and privileges once again.’

l Existing tickets will be valid for the rescheduled performance.

Refunds are available from the VillaGaiety for those unable to attend.