A renowned Maldon choir is set to welcome residents to members' first Good Friday performance in two years, which will also be attended by the new Bishop of Chelmsford.

The choir of St Mary's Church, in Maldon, has been giving a free performance of Bach's St John Passion every Good Friday since 2012, with the exception of the last two years due to Covid.

Members are now looking forward to performing once more on Good Friday, which falls this year on 15 April and is the day that Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus ahead of Easter Sunday.

Colin Baldy, director of music at the church, said: "Bach wrote the Passion to be performed as a Good Friday devotion, which is the way that it is presented at St Mary's.

"In line with Bach's original intentions, the congregation is invited to stand and join with the choir in singing some of the chorales - whether you have faith or not, this adds another dimension to the experience.

"It has often been commented that this liturgical performance is far more powerful than any that one might hear in a concert hall.

"The choir has a well-deserved reputation for excellence and will be accompanied once again by the professional baroque orchestra, Pegasus Baroque."

This year, residents will be able to meet the new Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, who will be giving a short homily between parts one and two.

Mr Baldy added: "The choir is delighted to be presenting Bach's music again after a two-year absence and looks forward to welcoming everyone to hear this year's performance - whether you come because it's Good Friday, to hear the Bishop or just to hear this glorious music."

The performance will begin at 7.30pm.

The church can be found on St Mary's Lane in Maldon.

READ MORE:

- Former Maldon Police Station to become offices, more than four years after it became vacant

- Councillors to vote on major redevelopment of former Maldon mill