Tonight finds the combined Bermuda Chamber Choir and the especially formed Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra making its Bermuda Festival debut at Wesley Methodist Church in Hamilton.

Founded in 1999 by John York Skinner, then principal of the Bermuda School of Music, the approximately 40-voice Choir has continued to nurture the art and love of choral music, even as it enriches the community with its performances of choral masterworks.

For its Bermuda Festival debut, director Ryan Ellis has selected 'The King Shall Rejoice', the second of four coronation anthems composed by Handel for the crowning of King George II, and Haydn's 'Missa in Tempore Belli' ('Mass in Time of War') as a way of marking a series of anniversaries: the 200th of Haydn's death; the 250th of Handel's death, and the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's settlement.

Mr. Ellis, the Choir's director since 2006, has led the ensemble in many acclaimed performances of choral masterworks. He is also an award-winning composer; the founder of several ensembles which premièred his works, and also the organist and choirmaster at the Anglican Cathedral.

Vocal soloists in tonight's performance are visiting mezzo-soprano Allison Messier, visiting baritone Bradford Gleim, and Bermuda residents Ruth Stovell (soprano) and Peter Nash (bass).

British born pianist Oliver Grant, like Mr. Ellis a faculty member at the Bermuda School of Music, makes his Bermuda Festival debut as the soloist in Mozart's 'Piano Concerto No. 23, K.488'.

Performing with the artists is the 48-strong Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra, which is comprised mainly of the many talented musicians who live and teach on the Island, and who responded with alacrity and enthusiasm to the concept of coming together to form the first-ever Festival orchestra.

They looked forward to working with other musicians, including some from abroad, as well as different conductors, and have enjoyed conquering the challenges of learning new repertoire.

The Orchestra made its debut at the February 11 Festival performance of 'A Night at the Opera'. Its final appearance is on February 24 in 'Concerti Through the Ages' at St. Paul's Church, Paget, at which time visiting conductor Dr. Madeline Frank will be at the helm.

Curtain time for tonight's concert is 8 p.m. For further information/tickets visit website www.bermudafestival.org.