RICHARD LESTER has just returned from performing in Bergamo Cathedral in Italy; an important concert to celebrate a series of premier recordings with the cathedral choir of organ masses by Girolamo Cavazzoni, Andrea Gabrieli and Claudio Merulo; three sixteenth century Italian composers, for Nimbus Records. The concert in Bergamo Cathedral will be repeated here in Cirencester Parish Church on Monday, March 31 at 1.15pm and at Bristol Cathedral on Tuesday, April 1 at 1.15pm, both concerts with the choir of Bergamo Cathedral. Admission free with retiring collection. The first CD volume of organ masses released last year received rave reviews describing performances as faithful to the way in which the music must have sounded in the sixteenth century.

Volume two is to be recorded in July this year, and a further planned CD will highlight music by Renaissance composers associated with St Mark’s, Venice. Last year Richard was invited to give an organ recital in St Mark’s Venice; a rare privilege and honour that few players are awarded.

He will be performing Renaissance organ music from St Mark’s in the Coffee Concert series at Bingham House Gallery, Dyer Street in Cirencester on Saturday, March 29 at 10.45am. Tickets £5 to include a good cup of coffee and biscuits, from Cirencester Visitor Centre, or at the door on the day of the concert.