A SINGER and vocal coach has taken over the reins of a musical society.

Susie Hyman is the new musical director for the Stour Choral Society.

The well-known singer, vocal coach and music teacher recently directed the society's joint summer concerts with local school children.

A spokesman said: "The members of Stour Choral Society look forward to continuing to develop their contribution to the musical life of the Stour Valley and Tendring Peninsula under Susie’s direction.

"The Spring concert will take place on Saturday, March 30 at 2.30pm in Mistley Church, when the choir will perform Stabat Mater by Antonín Dvořák.

"His first composition of a religious nature, Dvořák composed this piece at a time of great personal sadness and it is widely regarded as one of the most movingly beautiful settings of this meditation on the events of Easter."

Tickets, £12 with under 18s free, are available from 01206 392820 or Howells Hardware Store, High Street, Manningtree or from choir members.

Preparations are underway for the Summer concert on Saturday, June 27.

The choir will perform alongside children from local primary schools and the programme will include a performance of Captain Noah And His Floating Zoo.

Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at Manningtree Methodist Church.

For more information visit stourchoralsociety.co.uk or call the secretary on 01206 619084.