A seasonal treat is in store for music lovers with a presentation of Handel's Messiah in Durham Cathedral this Saturday.

It will be performed by the Cathedral Choir, The Cathedral Consort of Singers and instrumentalists of Durham Baroque, conducted by James Lancelot.

Durham Baroque specialises in early music and with many musicians playing period instruments, or modern copies, the sound promises to be faithful to its eighteenth century origins.

The oratorio performance will raise money for Durham Cathedral Choir Association, which was set up to support the cathedral's music and to raise the profile of the choir, which will be making two national BBC broadcasts over the Christmas season.

Mr Lancelot said: "As would have been the practice in Handel's time, soloists will be taken from the choirs."

They will include Jessica Holmes (soprano) Leonard Taylor and Ruth Gibbins (alto), John Paul Hoskins and Daniel Joy (tenor) and John Biddle and Peter Coulson (bass). The performance starts at 7.15pm. Tickets are £8.50 to £20, concessions £5.50 to £17. For details, call (0191) 384 3720.