IT will be another chance to fill Portsmouth’s largest music venue with worshippers praising God.

Prom Praise will feature conductor Noel Tredinnick

‘Prom Praise’, which combines music from a professional orchestra of Christians and a choir of local singers, returns to the city’s 2,000-seater Guildhall on May 24.

Conductor Noel Tredinnick will also return to conduct the All Souls Orchestra in a selection of classical pieces with religious themes, traditional hymns and modern worship songs.

The event will also feature soprano Joanne Lunn, an award-winning recording and concert artiste, as guest soloist. The evening will be hosted by Hugh Palmer, the rector of All Souls, Langham Place in London.

It is described as a unique blend of sacred and secular music, performance and worship, that combines the best elements of Songs of Praise and Last Night of the Proms. Prom Praise last came to Portsmouth’s Guildhall in April 2006, when Noel Tredinnick also conducted.

The event is being organised by the Portsmouth branch of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), who will also gather together a choir from our parishes. The young choristers of Portsmouth Cathedral Choir will also be involved.

Michael Stoddart, chairman of the mainland district of the RSCM, said: “Our experience of Prom Praise last time was that it was a chance for people to worship God, led by professional musicians who also believe that music is a gift from God.

“And it’s also an evening of top-quality entertainment, that worshippers can invite their friends to. And to experience 2,000 people worshipping God in this way is quite special.”

Some of the professional musicians will join Sunday morning worship in churches around our diocese.

Tickets for the event are now on sale at Portsmouth’s Guildhall, priced between £7.50 and £19.50 – the cost includes a souvenir programme. They are available on 023-9282 4355 or www.portsmouthguildhall.co.uk