THIS year’s International Choral Music Festival is offering a start to your Christmas with concerts of seasonal music sung by two of the world’s best-selling choirs, Gothic Voices and the Cardinall’s Musick.

The festival, which for many people has become an essential part of Christmas in Somerset and Devon, begins with the visit of Gothic Voices at 3.30pm on Sunday, December 8.

The Cardinall’s Musick arrive a week later at 3.30pm on Sunday, December 15. Their performances feature favourite medieval masterpieces as well as music for Advent and Christmas chosen from across five centuries.

They take place in the centre of Taunton at the United Reformed Church, Paul Street’s Georgian chapel, which earlier this year was beautifully restored.

Both Gothic Voices and the Cardinall’s Musick will be appearing in Taunton as part of their European tours. Gothic Voices first achieved world-wide fame when their iconic CD of the 12th century Abbess Hildegard’s music Feather on the Breath of God became a global hit and remained at number one in the charts for six months. It is still one of the biggest selling classical albums of all time.

The members of Gothic Voices now include one of the Hilliard Ensemble’s longest-serving singers, tenor Steven Harrold.

The Cardinall’s Musick have celebrated their 30th anniversary this year by performing at the some of the world’s finest concert halls and cathedrals. Over the years they have produced a series of best-selling CDs and they are still led by their founder, Andrew Carwood, the Royal Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral. At St Paul’s, Andrew’s duties include the music at all state occasions such as royal weddings and state funerals.

This will be the second year running that the International Choral Music Festival has taken place in Taunton. Last year’s festival, at which the Tallis Scholars and The Sixteen headlined, was the most successful to date attracting over 4,000 ticket requests.

To book or to find out more call 01823 451162 or email ticketsonline@email.com