A CHOIR conductor is preparing to put on his last concern before retirement.

Patrick McCarthy, 75, from Colchester, is putting on his last performance with the Witham Choral at the Witham Public Hall in April.

Mr McCarthy has been a conductor since the late 1990s, and has performed in many choirs, both singing and conducting across various counties and regions.

He is now finally retiring after losing his eyesight.

Wife Mary, 74, said: “He is absolutely sad to be leaving, as he has loved doing it.

“This will be his last show with the Witham Choral, but he is putting on one of his favourite shows, and he is also planning to have a grand final concert here in Colchester on May 28, but no proper details have been decided on that yet.”

Mr McCarthy added to this sad feeling, but said he is very excited to be performing one of his favourite shows, The Creation, by classical Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.

He said: “The Creation is a wonderfully elegant, tuneful, and descriptive work.

“It is very much a choral favourite among choirs and audiences alike and this concert will be a great way to bid farewell to Witham Choral.

“I have enjoyed many years with the choir and can look back on many wonderful concerts in both England and Germany.”

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Talented soloists Gill Wilson, soprano, Robin Morton, tenor, and Jack Holton, baritone, will be helping to tell the well-known story, representing the Archangels and Adam and Eve.

Witham Choral chairman Stephen Northfield said, “I am looking forward to singing this very accessible piece and am sure our audience will love it.

“We are sorry to be losing Patrick, but I am sure this final performance will be a fitting tribute to him.”

The show is being put on at the Witham Public Hall on April 2, starting at 7.30pm with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets are £15, senior citizens £14 and those in full-time education £5, and are available from the Witham Public Hall on 0345 0178717 or info@withampublichall.co.uk and are also available on the door.

For more details visit Witham Choral website at withamchoralsociety.org.uk.