Malvern's Forum Theatre will be the place to celebrate ‘England's Orpheus', but who might that be?

The concert on March 19, from 7.30pm will feature work by the mighty German composer, Bach, but also by Dowland and Purcell, who were certainly English, and Handel, who became a British citizen.

In fact, it was Purcell who was called the English Orpheus, and just like the Orpheus of legend, he was to die tragically young.

Taking a bow for the concert will be Iestyn Davies MBE, a British counter-tenor, "widely recognised as one of the world’s finest singers celebrated for the beauty and technical dexterity of his voice and intelligent musicianship".

Iestyn began his singing life as a chorister at St John’s College, Cambridge. Later, after graduating, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music, of which he is now a Fellow.

A spokesman said: "In 2015 he delighted London theatre audiences singing the role of Farinelli in the play Farinelli and the King. His range encompasses opera, oratorio and solo recitals, the latter in a regular association with Thomas Dunford.

"Born in Paris, Thomas discovered the lute at the age of nine. He completed his studies in 2006 at the Paris Conservatoire, when he obtained a unanimous 1st Prize with honours, continuing his studies at the Schola Cantorum in Basel. In 2003, Thomas gave his first performance playing the role of the lutenist in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on stage at the Comédie-Française. Since then, Thomas has played recitals throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia.

"Each musician has received numerous awards for his performances, both live and on CD.

Critics have been enthusiastic. One said: "Davies possesses one of the most refined and lucent countertenor voices, with flawless intonation, ease and beauty across its range and not even a hint of shrillness".

Tickets and further for this Malvern Concert Club event: 01684 892277