A MUSICAL society in Hagley is staging a performance of a new work by a local composer with a 14-piece orchestra, soprano, narrator and actors.

The Francis Brett Young Society is performing the Ballad of St Kenelm, originally written by the society’s namesake, a Halesowen born novelist, but the ballad has been reworked as a piece of music by Hagley composer Andrew Downes.

Mr Downes has had his work performed around the world in a number of leading concert halls and cathedrals by, amongst others, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the China Film Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as being broadcast on BBC radio and television.

The society has been fundraising for this adaptation of Francis Brett Young’s ballad for more than three years, nearly reaching its £10,000 target to cover the cost of the commission, the copyright and production fees.

The world premiere performance is being presented later this year as part of the Hagley Music Festival at St John’s Church, Hagley on Wednesday. April 22.

Tickets are £10 and can be booked through the Francis Brett Young Society at fbysociety.co.uk or by calling 0121 4402460.