CHORISTERS from a North Yorkshire school are to perform the world premier of a choral piece by an internationally renowned composer as the highlight of their Christmas Carol Service.

Twelfth Night, which has its origins in a poem by Laurie Lee, has been composed for the Chapel Choir of Queen Mary’s School by Francis Pott, the award-winning pianist and composer.

And the atmospheric piece will be sung in Ripon Cathedral on December 14 as part of the school's annual Christmas Carol Service.

Queen Mary's, an independent day and boarding school at Baldersby Park near Thirsk, is renowned for its musical excellence and this is the second time Professor Pott has composed a piece for the school. In 2009 he wrote "Laus Trinitati" for the Chapel Choir’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Director of music Nicholas Carter, said: "Francis Pott is a superb composer - his music is always challenging but rewarding to sing and this is no exception.

“The piece is demanding with complex harmonies but the girls are very capable, we are practising hard and the Cathedral is an absolutely glorious setting for a first performance."

The Christmas Carol Service follows the Kings College traditional Nine Lessons and Carols format and will be led by the Rev Peter Dodson.

Attended by parents, staff and pupils, it is also open to the public and marks the climax to the school's autumn term. The service begins at 10am.