SKIPTON and Ilkley chamber choir Pinsuti is due to start weekly rehearsals next week - and it is looking for new members.

The choir, which draws its around 20 members from around Skipton and Ilkley, South Craven and Gargrave, holds weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals at the Friends Meeting House in Ilkley.

Its musical director is Robert Webb, who is also musical director of Skipton Choral Society.

A spokesperson for the choir said: “This term we will be singing a selection of Victoria’s Lamentations, for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, together with some fabulous modern music by Mealor and Whitacre, and Gorecki’s Totus Tuus.

“We currently have spaces for altos, tenors and basses. We are looking for confident singers who can read music, and are comfortable holding a part on their own or in small numbers.”

The choir sings a range of music from early 14th century through to the present day. It generally sings unaccompanied, but sometimes with organ or a small orchestra, and holds regular concerts, in Skipton and surrounding villages.

The spokesperson added: “ Our summer concert is traditionally lighter summer music: this year it will have a South American theme, combining music, singing and dancing.”

The choir will be taking additional coronavirus precautions, such as increased ventilation, a break in the middle, and recommended testing prior to rehearsals, to make singing together as safe as possible.

Rehearsals take place at the Friends Meeting House, Ilkley on Wednesday evenings from 8pm to 9.30pm from January 12. To find out more, email: info@pinsuti.org.uk.