This Easter Monday a unique concert will be held in the grand surroundings of St David’s Cathedral featuring John S. Davies’ three choirs performing with the Westward Orchestra.

The concert is also an important landmark for conductor Mr Davies, who will be making his 75th appearance leading choirs at the cathedral.

The major work to be performed by the 100 members of Cantorion John S. Davies Singers, Cor Caerfyrddin and Cor Dewi Sant along with four highly acclaimed soloists will be Dvorak’s Stabat Mater.

The sacred composition has been described as one of the most beautiful of musical creations, resulting from the personal tragedies experienced by the composer and his wife following the death of their three children.

Despite the sombre inspiration the sunny side of Dvorak’s personality shines through. The music moves into major-key realms in a number of places and the central choral movement, Tui Nati Vulnerati, dances around the ears.

The three choirs will also perform passion music from Handel’s Messiah to mark the 250th anniversary of the composer’s death on April 14th, 1759.

The Three Choirs in the Cathedral concert was the idea of Mr Davies, who wanted to give a large choir the opportunity to perform.

A master of his profession, Mr Davies formed Cantorion John S. Davies Singers in 1978, with many members going on to follow solo careers. The choir has performed at the cathedral numerous times, as well as across the UK and in Europe.

In 2000 Mr Davies formed Cor Dewi Sant especially for a performance of Arwel Hughes’ Dewi Sant, which was broadcast on S4C from the cathedral. The choir has since performed at several concerts in Pembrokeshire and around Wales.

The newest of Mr Davies’ choirs, Cor Caerfyrddin, was formed in 2004. Since its inception, the choir has regularly performed concerts of sacred and classical music in celebration of Christmas and Easter.

Mr Davies has contributed enormously to choral music in Wales and is considered to be one of the country’s leading directors, with a wide range of awards and accolades to his name.

The Easter Monday concert is a chance to experience first-hand his musical brilliance and enjoy some impressive singing.

Born in Pembrokeshire, Mr Davies has gone on to become an honorary Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, where he formed his first choir as a student.

The Westward Orchestra began in 1985 and is always led by distinguished musicians from major orchestras, with David Juritz, leader of the London Mozart Players filling the role for many years.

Ticket prices start at £10 for unreserved aisle seats, up to £20 for reserved centre and rear nave seats.

For tickets for the special musical experience contact St David’s Bookshop on 01437 720480, Seaways Bookshop, Fishguard on 01348 873433, Stiwdio Gerdd-James Music, Carmarthen on 01267 223108 or Marion Butler on 01348 873612.