The Chapel Choir from King Edward’s School Witley, is used to hitting high notes.

However a visit to Venice placed the choristers on a different scale.

The choir had a rare opportunity to sing in some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including in the world-renowned Basilica di San Marco and in the historic Church of Saint Rocco.

Performing from one of the famous galleries at the basilica, for a congregation made up of locals, tourists and parents who had made the journey from the UK, the choir received a round of applause at the end of Mass.

Their concert at Saint Rocco the evening before was an equal success with a varied programme including pieces by a variety of composers including Allegri, Bach, Elgar, Handel, Lotti, Lloyd Webber, Puccini, Purcell and Rutter.

Stasio Sliwka, director of music at King Edward’s said: “For a choir there’s nothing more inspiring for young people than performing in breathtaking surroundings with exceptional acoustics.

“The tour was a huge success and the choir enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity creating memories that will last for many years to come.”

During the four-day cultural tour of Venice last month, the group packed in as much sightseeing as possible including visits to Venice’s famous opera house La Fenice; historic churches; the celebrated Doges’ Palace; numerous art galleries to see the works of Venice’s grand masters as well as sampling Venetian food in some of the many restaurants on the islands.

Mr Sliwka said it was the choir’s first tour abroad for many years.

In the future, the school is planning to take a tour every two years.

Choirs play an important role in the musical life of King Edward’s.

The chapel choir sings at weekly services at the school and also collaborates with the drama department in production of musicals.

The group also sings regularly at venues in London and at cathedrals throughout the UK.