THE composer of The Snowman, Howard Blake, will be attending Salisbury Musical Society’s concert on Saturday to hear a performance of his dramatic oratorio.

The oratorio focuses on the life of Christ seen through the eyes of his mother Mary.

Originally commissioned for the Dorset Summer Music Festival, The Passion of Mary was premiered in 2008 for Blake’s 70th birthday.

As on that occasion, the world-renowned soprano Patricia Rozario, whose voice Blake especially wrote the part of Mary for, will perform this role in Salisbury Cathedral, alongside Salisbury Musical Society.

The second work in the concert is the CPE Bach’s Magnificat – Mary’s hymn of praise at the annunciation, which was written some 260 years earlier.

David Halls conducts Salisbury Musical Society and Chelsea Opera Group orchestra in the festive concert. It starts from 7.30pm.

* Tickets are priced between £8 and £20 and are available by calling Salisbury Playhouse box office on 01722 320333.

Alternatively, they can be purchased on the door.