Those who regularly attend the annual Christmas concert performed by the senior choir of St. Paul AME Church know that the event is one of the highlights of the festive season.

Beautifully presented under the direction of the church's minister of music, Cecil G. Smith, and in part by candlelight, the programme includes carols and classical works relative to the holy season, and there is always a guest artist, and a youth artist or artists. When the concert takes place on December 21, the guest artists will be the world-renowned Morehouse College Quartet, directed by Dr. David Morrow, who will present various selections from their Christmas repertoire, including works by Robert Shaw and Wendell Whalum.

The popular quartet are making a welcome return to the Island, having last performed here to great acclaim with the Morehouse College Glee Club in 2001.

"Dr. Morrow's high standards will be reflected in this musical treat, and we couldn't be happier to be hosting the Quartet as our special guests this year," Mr. Smith said.

This year's youth artists are students from the Bermuda School of Music.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Caines will be the chief patrons of the evening. Also in attendance will be former choir director, 97-year-old Mrs. Doris Corbin, MBE, who continues to take a keen interest in the music of the church.

"St. Paul is a musical church, and we are proud of the Senior Choir," the pastor, Rev. Lanel D. Guyton, said. "To so many people this concert marks the real beginning of the Christmas season, so I want to encourage the entire community to come and be blessed by this spirit-filled occasion."

Tickets ($25) are available from the Church office (tel. 292-0505) and members of the choir, and proceeds are in aid of the Organ Restoration Fund.

The event will take place in the Centennial Hall adjoining St. Paul's, and begin at 6 p.m.