A FRESH twist on tradition is the focus for the new musical director of an established choral group.

Furness Bach Choir has announced the appointment of prize-winning conductor, Marco Bellasi, into the role. It comes hot on the heels of his stint as junior-fellows conductor at the Royal College of Music in Manchester.

Mr Belassi described himself as “thrilled and excited” to be chosen.

He said: “My goal will be to preserve their tradition of excellence in performing great works from the choral repertoire, while suggesting new approaches to music and choral sound.”

A trained singer, starting as a chorister in the Cathedral Choir of the Duomo in Milan, Mr Belassi is also a professional violinist. He has worked with orchestras including the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata.

Announcing the appointment, chair of Furness Bach Choir, Ross Baxter, said: “We are delighted to have secured such a highly talented and enthusiastic young conductor to be our new musical director. After the death of our previous conductor, Anthony Milledge, finding the right person was a considerable challenge.

“In Marco Bellasi we have found a person who can bring the fresh insights and inspiration to build on the exceptional achievements of his predecessor, and the choir is keen to start work with him. This marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for Furness Bach Choir.”

Mr Bellasi’s first concert with the choir will be on Saturday December 2 at St Mary’s RC Church in Ulverston, where the programme will be Michael Haydn’s Requiem in C minor alongside Thamos, King of Egypt by Mozart.