A concert of some of the greatest English choral music will mark the centenary of the Armistice.

St Albans Bach Choir have put together a programme reflecting on war and peace for their concert at St Albans Cathedral on Saturday.

They have coupled choral works by two of the greatest English composers, Elgar and Vaughan Williams, with a lyrical rhapsody by Vaughan Williams’ friend Butterworth, who was killed in action at the Somme in 1916.

Conductor Andrew Lucas said: "The Spirit of England was composed by Elgar between 1915 and 1917. Setting some of Laurence Binyon’s poems dating from 1914, it is evocative choral music written in the Great War, setting lines including 'They shall grow not old' that have become immortalised in annual services of remembrance. The music is vintage Elgar and deserves to be better known.

"Paired with this, our other choral work, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, dates from the period immediately before World War II. In this heartfelt appeal for peace in a very troubled time, the composer, who knew the horrors of war, having volunteered aged 42 and served in World War I), was inspired to produce some of his most effective and haunting choral and orchestral music.

"Between these two items we will hear Butterworth’s gorgeous rhapsody for orchestra, A Shropshire Lad. Sublime music from 1911 by a composer who went to war but never returned, like Housman’s “lads that will die in their glory and never be old” from the poems that inspired the work."

The choir is joined by soloists Gemma Summerfield (soprano) and Louis Hurst (baritone), and orchestra Sinfonia Verdi. The evening promises to offer a fitting reflection on the tragedy of war and the hope of peace at this special time of Remembrance.

Doors open at 7pm. The concert begins at 7.30 pm.

To book, visit www.stalbanscathedral.org/whatson or go to the Cathedral box office, Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5 pm, or call 01727 890290.

Tickets: Premium £30, Classic £26, Standard Plus £20, Standard £15, No View £13. No view seats will only be released when seats with views have sold out and on the day. Concessions: Children (under 16) £13; Students (full time) £13 - not available for Premium. Wheelchair spaces £26 (Classic only), with a carer going free; book through Cathedral Box Office by phone or in person only.