ITALIAN tenor Alessandro Maffucci and pianist Roberto Russo are currently touring a new work by Bishopstone composer, Michael Stimpson.

A set of songs based on the poetry of Giovanni Pascoli provides the inspiration for Michael's music, which can be heard at Salisbury Methodist Church on Saturday night, along with works by Schumann, Tosti and Ginastera.

Giovanni Pascoli was one of Italy's best-loved poets in the late 19th/early 20th century. Michael has set Dall'Alba Al Tromonto, highlighting the poet's love of nature, to his music.

"Within the musical setting are the bells of Barga, which were both a stimulus and source of comfort to Pascoli," said Michael.

The programme has already toured Italy and was performed at St James', Piccadilly, on Monday.

The English Chamber Orchestra and the Allegri String Quartet have performed previous works composed by Michael Stimpson in venues that take in the Wigmore Hall and Cadogan Hall.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available on the door.