A CHORAL society has made a "desperate" appeal for new members ahead of an important performance.

Ramsbottom Choral Society and Concert Orchestra have invited soprano singers to join its choir.

The search for choristers comes less than two months before the society's first concert of the 2020 season.

Members began rehearsals for their performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah two weeks ago.

Liz Forrest, who leads the orchestra's 2nd violins, said: "I first heard Ramsbottom Choral Society perform Elijah in November 2013. It is a very popular choral work.

"The choir is desperately short of sopranos for its upcoming performance, and there is less than two months to go.

"I would really encourage new members to join. I always look forward to the concerts."

There are also vacancies for tenors and bass singers.

Participants will sing alongside four soloists from an international vocal quartet called VociVoices led by Elizabeth Ambrose.

Barry Sugden, musical director of the society, said: "This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to experience singing in a great choral society for the first time.

"The Elijah would make an excellent start for anyone thinking of joining this go-ahead and friendly choir which withholds the North West's tradition of a high standard of choral singing."

The choir rehearses at All Saints Church, Hebburn Drive, on Fridays at 7.30pm.

They will perform Elijah at Bolton Road Methodist Church at 7pm on March 21.

For more information about the choir or orchestra call Barry Sugden on 0161 761 2985 or visit www.rcsco.org.