AN uplifting concert celebrating the memory of Dr John Cole, an “inspiring” force in Taunton music, is being held next Saturday, April 5.

It has been 12 months since John passed away, deemed by his peers as “one of its greatest contributors to the music scene, town and county”.

Among his achievements was founding the Somerset Summer Chorus, chamber choir Amici and Taunton’s full, professional symphony orchestra, OrchestraWest.

He also conducted Taunton and Wellington Amateur Operatic societies.

Taunton Choral Society, Amici and OrchestraWest unite to perform one of John’s favourite pieces: Elgar’s ‘The Dream of Gerontius’.

The performance will feature a soloist ‘dream team’ linked closely to John – tenor Rupert Charlesworth, baritone Eddie Wade and mezzo-soprano Alison Kettlewell.

A recording of the concert, as a permanent reminder, is also planned.

The performance will be conducted by Stephen Bell, Taunton Choral Society musical director, who has worked closely with Andrew Trewhella, of Amici, and Martyn Owen, OrchestraWest director, to deliver the concert.

Tickets cost £20 from www.tauntonchoralsociety.org.uk or Taunton Ticket Centre on 01823-336344 and the concert starts at 7.30pm at King’s College Chapel, South Road, Taunton.