On Saturday, 5th May, 7.30 p.m. at the Church of St John the Baptist, Midsomer Norton, Midsomer Choral’s Spring Concert celebrates the month of May with the song of Mary – Bach’s joyful ‘Magnificat’, and Morten Lauridsen’s ethereal and haunting ‘Lux Aeterna’, with soloists, Julia O’Connor (soprano), Penelope Davies (alto), Matthew Bawden (tenor) and Peter Hodgson (bass), accompanied by Midsomer Consort, conducted by Neil Moore.

They are joined by 13-year-old virtuoso violinist, Poppy McGhee, who will play popular solo pieces. Poppy is a Year 8 pupil who began her musical journey at the age of five, when she heard Nicola Benedetti play ‘The Lark Ascending’; from that day onwards, she was determined to learn the violin. Two weeks after her eighth birthday, she passed her ABRSM Grade 8 violin exam with Distinction; and in December 2016, gained her ATCL Performance Diploma.

Poppy enjoys playing in the National Children’s Orchestra and has performed as a soloist in many prestigious concert venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Cadogan Hall. She is a dedicated fundraiser for The Amber Trust, who support blind children with music lessons and musical activities.