SOUTHEND Choral Society will perform Handel’s oratorio “Judas Maccabeus” tomorrow night at 7.30pm at Crowstone United Reformed Church, Westcliff.

Although not as well-known as “Messiah”, during Handel's lifetime Judas Maccabaeus was one of the most popular of all his oratorios. Following its hugely successful first performance at London's Covent Garden theatre in 1747, the work was subsequently revived during Handel's oratorio seasons every year until his death in 1759.

The 100-strong choir will be joined by four professional London-based soloists, accompanied by Stephen King on the organ and conducted by Roger Humphrey. The Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs will also be performing in this work, singing the well-known chorus of the youths “See the conquering heros come”.

In the same church on Sunday afternoon, the Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs will present “Listen with Mother”: a concert for Mothers’ Day, when they will join with young players from South Essex Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In a programme of music by Strauss, Faure, Tchaikovsky, Delibes, Schubert and much more, the 120+ young musicians will join together to serenade all mothers (and grandmothers) in the audience.

The groups will join together to perform the Evening Prayer from the 19th century composer Engelbert Humperdink’s opera “Hansel and Gretel” and Haydn’s playful Toy Symphony” will also be performed.

This concert starts at 3.30pm and tea and cakes are served to all mothers and their families after the concert.

On Saturday evening, 7.30 at Trinity Methodist Church, Clayhill Road, Vange, The Dove Singers will be performing a programme of varied music ranging from Handel to Rodgers & Hammerstein, conducted by their new musical director Kara Florish.

Looking ahead to the next weekend, don’t miss the chance to hear The Southend Bach Choir will be performing Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonnelle at St Augustine’s Church, Thorpe Bay on Saturday 5th April.

Finally on Saturday night, at Westcliff High School for Boys at 7.30pm, the Southend Youth Orchestra, which was formed just 18 months ago, will be performing Mozart's Magic Flute Overture, Schubert's Symphony no. 8, a Vivaldi concerto and works by Vaughan Williams and Mathias.