EXETER Philharmonic Choir is performing Edward Elgar's masterpiece, The Kingdom, in Exeter Cathedral tomorrow.

It is a rare opportunity to hear the work accompanied by a huge orchestra, conducted by Andrew Millington.

Elgar enthusiast Mr Millington is the director of music for both Exeter Cathedral and Exeter Philharmonic Choir.

The Kingdom contains some of Elgar's most stirring and inspirational music and it is costing more than £12,000 to put on this huge concert of the magnificent work.

Following The Dream of Gerontius and The Apostles, Elgar was commissioned to produce another large oratorio for the 1906 Birmingham Triennial Music Festival.

The Kingdom continues the narrative of the lives of Jesus's disciples. The renowned conductor Sir Adrian Boult considered The Kingdom to be Elgar's greatest choral work.

Choir spokesman Jenny Lloyd said: "The combined forces of the choir and orchestra will raise the roof of the cathedral."

The choir will be joined by the professional players of the Sinfonietta, led by Richard Studt, and soloists including soprano Catherine Hamilton, mezzo-soprano Gaynor Keeble, tenor Richard Edgar-Wilson and bass Quentin Hayes.

Tomorrow's performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £9 to £20 and are available on 01392 499211 or 01392 667080. Student standby tickets are available on the door from 7.15pm at a cost of £5 each with a valid student ID.