Lichfield’s only professional orchestra, the Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra (DECO) was founded in September 2008, with its inaugural concert on 31 January 2009 in Lichfield Cathedral - its home base. There is at present no comparable orchestra with resident affiliation to a cathedral or church foundation in the region. DECO stages three regular concerts a year in the cathedral - winter, summer and autumn - and during the year contributes to the music of three Cathedral services.

DECO have twice featured on Classic FM: once as part of the Cathedral's Christmas Concert in December 2009 and again in October 2010 when the whole of the autumn concert was recorded and broadcast as part of their "Full Works" concert series.

The orchestra is formed from the highest calibre classical musicians in the West Midlands, with a strong emphasis on the employment of young, exciting players in the early stages of their professional careers. DECO's repertoire is mainly popular and accessible classical music. It aims to draw the local community into the world of classical music in the inspiring setting of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country. By keeping ticket prices low, DECO hopes to bring the pleasure and excitement of hearing top quality live classical performances to a wider audience. DECO's remit also includes sharing the experience of the live orchestral sound with young people, through workshops and collaborations with young performers.

DECO are to be congratulated on top class performances in Lichfield for tickets priced at less than a single CD.  Watch out Birmingham. You have competition!

The 2013 series of concerts continues on Saturday 11 May at 7.30pm with 'An Evening of Bach'

Opening and closing the concert are two of Bach's cantatas. Bass Fran Ambrose, a lay vicar in Lichfield Cathedral choir, will perform the well-known and deeply expressive Ich habe genug, before Lichfield-based soprano Harriet Hunter takes the limelight in 'Wedding Cantata' Weichnet nur, betrubte Schatten. The music they will perform includes a sublime lullaby meditation, and a lively gavotte to conclude some musical wedding festivities.

At the heart of the evening will be Bach's spirited Concerto for Violin and Oboe, with nephew-and-uncle soloists Alex Laing and George Caird. Bach's concerto will show off their enthralling musicianship to the max.

For more information click here, or to book your tickets visit the Cathedral Bookshop or telephone 01543 306150

The final concert of the year will take place on Saturday 19 October.