TWO of South Essex’s leading musical groups will join forces for an outdoor concert to mark the end of summer.

The Orpheus Singers – the female side of one of the UK’s most celebrated choirs – will perform alongside the Southend Wind Orchestra.

The free concert closes the 2013 series of performances at the Southend bandstand in Priory Park, Prittlewell, Southend. Unlike previous concerts, however, it will be held in the evening, starting at 6pm.

David Clark, director of the Leigh Orpheus choirs, will conduct.

He said: “This is a rare example of bringing together two distinguished and award-winning groups of local musicians. Together, they should make an impressive sound.”

The audience is invited to bring a picnic. It will also get the chance to join in with the singing.

The programme includes the Southend Celebration, a specially-commissioned work, written for Southend Wind Orchestra to evoke the life and history of the town. The piece was premiered three years ago and has been a popular part of the group’s repertoire ever since.

Singalong favourites in the programme will include a Nightingale Sang in Barclay Square, which will be sung as darkness begins to fall, and the inspirational song, You Raise Me Up.

Band, choir and audience will also join in singing Wherever You Are, the song recently popularised by the Military Wives.

Mr Clark said: “It promises to be an enjoyable and probably quite emotional evening.”

Concert in the Park
The Bandstand, Priory Park, Southend.
Sunday, September 8
6pm. Free