GEORGE MARTIN´WORK PERFORMED AT FESTIVAL

George Martin's work performed at festival

George Martin attended the first night of the festival at Dorking Halls to see his own Mission Chorales piece being performed.

George Martin with festival conductor Brian Kay

FORMER Beatles producer George Martin brought a touch of rock 'n' roll to the Leith Hill Music Festival on Thursday evening.

Publicity manager Jo Forrest said: "It's only the second time this has been performed in this country.

"It rarely gets an outing because George Martin isn't known for his choral music.

"There was a very warm reception for him, a standing ovation before and after."

The three-day Leith Hill Music Festival involves competitions between choirs by day and concerts by night, with the finale on Saturday to feature Mozart's Coronation Mass.

Highlights of the competitions so far have included Mickleham Choral Society's musical take on the Lewis Carroll poem Jabberwocky, and Leatherhead Choral Society's winning performance on Friday.

There are still tickets available for the Friday and Saturday evening concerts, starting at 7.30pm. They can be booked by calling 01306 881717 or visiting www.dorkinghalls.co.uk.