YORKSHIRE Bach Choir will present Henry Purcell’s Dioclesian in the final concert of its 2011-2012 season at St Michael-le-Belfrey, High Petergate, York, tomorrow.

“This will be the first time we have performed this very rarely heard masterpiece and the music is some of Purcell’s finest,” says conductor Peter Seymour. “Given that Purcell is England’s greatest composer that means a rare treat for us all.”

Composed in 1690, Purcell’s semi-opera is considered to be among his greatest works. “Dioclesian remained popular well into the 18th century although seldom heard complete,” says Peter. “Certainly it contains some of his best known and most spectacular music with a colourful orchestra of oboes, recorders, trumpets and strings.

“The longest and most important scene is the final masque, ostensibly performed to welcome Diocles into rural retirement, but actually a self-contained pastoral.”

Dioclesian also celebrates the fame of the Roman Empire. “So it sits well in both the Diamond Jubilee celebrations as well as the York 800 events,” says Peter.

“We meet Cupid, Jove, a boisterous trio of Baccanalians, a sensual shepherd and his lass and we have the great Chaconne to conclude.”

In next month’s performance, the musical items will be linked by a narration specially prepared by Andrew Pinnock, secretary of the Purcell Society and a regular collaborator with Yorkshire Bach Choir and the Yorkshire Baroque Soloists in this repertoire.

Tickets for the 7.30pm concert cost £20, concessions £18, on 01904 658338, online at ncem.co.uk or on the door.