A CD of music by composer Philip Andrews, whose roots in Alton and Chawton go back several generations, is due to be issued early next month.

Containing performances of his successful ‘Jane Austen’ and ‘A Chawton Suite’, as well as songs for solo singer and choral music, it will be launched at a special concert on May 6 when copies will be presented free to members of the audience.

The tracks include individual performances by professional and amateur performers and a live performance of Philip’s moving arrangement of Lord Tennyson’s poem ‘A Farewell’ by top London choir Costanza Chorus during London’s 2013 season ‘Five Hundred Years of Great British Music’.

Speaking about the performances on the CD, Philip is upbeat in every sense of the word.

“It’s always a wonderful experience to hear one’s own work brought life by talented performers,” he said, “but to have players and singers of such quality perform it so well and with such sensitivity and understanding is something very special indeed.

“Sadly, we can’t quite fit the hundred-strong Costanza Chorus into Alton’s Quaker Meeting House, but their leader, Joanna Tomlinson, who is a brilliant soprano, will be there performing in the concert next week alongside other musicians who perform on the CD.”

Tickets for the spring concert on May 6 are available at the Knitting Habit on Market Street, Alton.