Now the sun has got his hat on, we all want to be off the sofa and enjoying the weather, and on Saturday, May 17, there's no better way to spend it than listening to St Albans Chamber Choir performing an eclectic collection of choral favourites.

Conductor John Gibbons, who has been leading orchestras ever since he left the Royal College of Music in 1989, promises the evening will include something for everyone to enjoy, with items ranging from the 17th Century to the present day, lending the event its name, Bach to the Future.

And the repertoire definitely backs up Gibbons' claims, with highlights including Purcell's Hear My Prayer, Bach's Komm, Jesu, Komm, and John Tavener's Song for Athene, which was played at Princess Diana's funeral. Also in the programme is the popular setting of The Lord's My Shepherd by Shubert and Howard Goodall, best known as the theme tune to The Vicar of Dibley.

Gibbons explains: "People will be able to sit back and relax as they listen to music that they recognise. There are also items that will inspire, as well as some more unusual items.

"It is the perfect evening for someone who is not familiar with choral choir music because the pieces are so broad. There are even some popular TV tunes."

The maestro, who conducted the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra summer concert in front of 2,500 people in 2004, is also looking forward to getting to know his audience.

He adds: "One of my biggest things is talking to the audience. I try to make them feel part of the experience."

With such a varied set list, its hard to pick a favourite, but Gibbons says there is one piece that stands out for him. He says: "When Song for Athene played at Diana's funeral it blew everyone away. As a musician you know when you have chosen the right piece, and it was perfect. I love the piece."

Bach to the Future is at St Mary's Church, Old Welwyn on Saturday, May 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets: 01707 663110 (£12)