The Ebor Singers present a French double bill tomorrow and Saturday in York, turning the spotlight on Charpentier each night to mark the release of their latest recording of music by the Baroque composer.

“The choir has greatly enjoyed exploring works by Charpentier for many years,” says Paul Gameson, the Singers’ founder and director, who studied Charpentier for his PhD.

“French music from this period is less familiar than music from England or Germany, but this neglect is not deserved. Charpentier’s style is perhaps the most individual and varied of any composer at this time.”

Although best known via the unlikely route of the Eurovision Song Contest for his Te Deum, Charpentier wrote several dramatic works, and tomorrow's concert at the National Centre for Early Music provides a rare opportunity to hear his cantata Les Arts Florrisants, a celebration of the flourishing arts. The 7.30pm performance will be preceded by a free talk by Paul Gameson at 7pm.

Charpentier wrote a great number of sacred pieces in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and some of these not only feature on the choir’s new CD recording, but also will be the focus of Saturday’s Magnificat concert in the Chapter House of York Minster at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available for a single concert at £15, concessions £12, students £3, or for entry to both events at a reduced rate of £20, concessions £16, on 0844 939 0015 or on the door.