West country mezzo-soprano Molly Soo will be joining a glittering line-up of young soloists to sing Handel's Messiah in Wells.

A recent finalist in the International Handel Singing Competition, Molly is in demand for solo work throughout the UK.

Also home grown and in hot demand are soprano Maddie Perrin and tenor Tim Kingston, who were both choristers at Wells cathedral.

Fresh from Garsington Opera, bass soloist, James Geidt, completes the quartet.

Slightly older than the soloists but no less full of musical magic are the Somerset Choral Society, who are enjoying a new lease of life under new direction.

Handel's legendary masterpiece is a perfect preparation for Christmas. Its sublime music never fails to move listeners, whether they're hearing it for the first time or can hum every note.

And what better setting than St Cuthbert's church? Those carved angels in its magnificent ceiling are sure to join in with the Hallelujah chorus.

The choir's conductor Peter Kingston says: 'Somerset's biggest parish church is the ideal setting for this sumptuous music, especially when it's full.'

Messiah: 7.30pm Saturday 30 November St Cuthbert's church, Wells. Tickets, from Ticket Source or 07397 806319, are £20 (£12 for 18s and under)