Tonight will find the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts echoing to the very different sounds of the SDASA (Seventh Day Adventists Student Association) Chorale and the British ensemble I Fagiolini.

The penultimate presentation of this year's Bermuda Festival combines two very different musical traditions under the title `Simunye' (Zulu for "We are one''.) The 19-strong SDASA is renowned for the versatility of its repertoire which, while remaining firmly rooted in indigenous church music, also includes works by several of the talented composers within its ranks.

SDASA members include teachers, doctors and politicians, and their participation in the Chorale is voluntary. In addition to their formal appearances, the group participates in various forms of community and educational services.

Its music making has enchanted audiences wherever it has performed, and `Simunye' is described as an evolving project, which means that the concerts will not necessarily adhere to the printed programme.

I Fagiolini is an early music ensemble originally formed at Oxford University in 1966 which, following its win of the Early Music Network's Young Artists Competition, has gone on to earn an reputation as one of Europe's most innovative and entertaining vocal ensembles.

Its name, which means "the bean'' in Italian was chosen originally because its members were vegetarian, and in addition to its fine singing, the group is also known for the way it can switch between earthy humour and extreme seriousness.

I Fagiolini recently completed a new series of recordings with Chandos, and work regularly with the BBC, who recorded their Royal Albert Hall debut last year.

It is directed by founder Robert Hollingsworth.

The two groups met in South Africa in 1997 for an intensive cultural exchange project to compare, contrast and combine their respective musical worlds. The project not only proved an outstanding success, but has earned high praise from critics and concert goers alike wherever they have performed.

"Impossible to describe -- you just have to see and hear it'' is how BBC Music Magazine described `Simunye'.

SDASA and I Fagiolini will perform tonight and tomorrow night, and on Wednesday, February 21, I Fagiolini will perform on its own at City Hall theatre. All events begin at 8 p.m.

For ticket information visit the Bermuda Festival box office next to the ferry terminal building on Front Street or 292-8572.

THEATRE THR