A decade of impeccable training and impressive performances will be celebrated by the St. John's Youth Choir this weekend when it gives the tenth in its series of annual Heritage Concerts at the Pembroke parish Anglican church.

Led, as always, by founder-director Mrs. Marjorie Pettit, the 60-strong choir will present a varied programme featuring the music of Lord Webber's hit musical, 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', as well as songs, spirituals and folk songs from around the world and spanning the centuries.

In addition to an outstanding programme of choral music, the concert will feature four young musicians playing two Vivaldi pieces. Sisters Christine and Katherine Allison will perform 'Concerto for Two Violins in A Minor', while Jordan Robbins and Chelsea Mayeaux have chosen the 'Concerto for Two Flutes in C Major'.

During their many years of intense music studies, often on more than one instrument, these four young women have achieved outstanding awards and scholarships.

Providing musical accompaniment throughout the programme will be an orchestra led by violinist Kerry Haslam, pianist Andrea Hodson, organist William Duncan, and Jenna Kessaram on harpsichord continuo.

The concert will begin each night at 7.30 p.m., and tickets (adults $25, students $15) are available from Pianos Plus, website www.boxoffice.bm and will also be sold at the door. Sponsor tickets are sold out.

"Mrs. Pettit and her choir have reached a new level of professionalism, and a pure, cohesive sound which would not be out of place on any world class stage," events manager Mrs. Susan Kessaram notes.

The St. John's Youth Choir is a non-denominational community choir which welcomes young people from all over the Island. Throughout the year, the choir is involved in a series of high profile concerts and appearances with orchestral accompaniment, and performing a wide-ranging repertoire of both sacred and secular music from around the world.

From a modest start with only a small group of young people ten years ago, the Youth Choir has grown to 60 members, with more children eager to join when space allows.

"It is interesting to note that one or two have been involved on a constant basis from the outset — a decade of commitment speaks volumes for these young people," Mrs. Pettit says.

"The choristers rehearse every Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with extra time required for special projects. The vast majority of our choir members shine academically, and at the moment I have a group of senior girls who are amongst the most musically gifted I have ever taught.

"They are, for the right reasons, a challenge, and such a delight to work with."

A graduate of The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Mrs. Pettit came to Bermuda in 1966. A former music teacher at Prospect Primary and Saltus Junior schools, she also served as musical director of the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society, the Saltus Concert Society, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. She opened her own teaching studio after leaving Saltus in 1987.

The programme will feature the Youth Choir performing the music from the international hit 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' by Andrew Lloyd-Webber as well as exciting songs, spirituals and folk songs from around the world and throughout the centuries. This performance is not to be missed.