The Sixteen, Saltlines, YolanDa Brown and Mishra at Saffron Hall in November

One of the world’s most renowned choral ensembles is performing Haydn’s Nelson Mass at Saffron Hall later this month.

The Sixteen, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019, will take to the Saffron Walden venue’s stage on Saturday November 25 (7.30pm).

Austria, 1798. Napoleon’s forces threaten Vienna and Haydn entitles his grandest sacred work to date Mass in a Time of Anxiety. Within weeks of its first performance, Nelson’s victory in Egypt checked Napoleon’s advance.

Haydn’s militaristic trumpets and drums then seem to signify triumph as much as they herald trouble ahead and the piece gains a new nickname. Mozart’s “solemn” Vespers often seem anything but and they share with Haydn’s mass a joyous affirmation of faith in music, both uplifting and serene.

In both works, it is the choir that has the star role and who better to present two classical choral masterpieces than Harry Christophers’ superb forces.

The Sixteen’s choir and period-instrument orchestra stand today among the world’s greatest ensembles, peerless interpreters of Renaissance, Baroque and modern choral music, acclaimed worldwide for performances delivered with precision, power and passion.

Mozart’s famous little string divertimento provides more balm for the soul, should any be needed.

Before that at the concert venue, which is based at Saffron Walden County High School, comes Saltlines on Friday November 10 (7.30pm).

Taking audiences by storm, it is a prose and music collaboration between best-selling author Raynor Winn and folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the most celebrated names on the British folk scene.

Together they have created an emotional odyssey which explores the beauty, stories and traditions of the South West Coast Path. The vibrant, thought-provoking compositions by Winn have been specially written for this show and artfully wrapped around songs and tunes gathered from the collections of Cecil Sharp and Sabine Baring-Gould.

This is an unmissable, life-affirming experience for anyone who appreciates beautiful words, inspiring music and, above all, cherishes the social and natural history of Britain’s coastline and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.

Multi-talented saxophonist YolanDa Brown and her band are bringing their brand of sunshine music to Saffron Hall on Friday November 17 (7.30pm).

The double MOBO award-winner, broadcaster and passionate advocate for music education is one of the most dynamic and high-profile characters on the UK music scene.

Her music is a delicious fusion of reggae, jazz and soul and she has toured with artists such as The Temptations, Jools Holland and Billy Ocean.

Brown, who was awarded an OBE for services to music, music education and broadcasting in the 2023 New Year Honours List, has also appeared on the likes of Celebrity Mastermind and Portrait Artist of the Year.

Enjoy an evening of Foyer Folk with award-winning collective Mishra on Friday November 24 (8pm).

The group use their strong roots in UK folk to weave a tight web of intricate, Indian-influenced original music into joyous live performances.

Mishra’s founding partnership of Kate Griffin (vocals, banjo and dobro) and The Drystones’ Ford Collier (low whistle, percussion and guitar) are joined by John Ball (Rafiki Jazz) on tabla and santoor, Alex Lyon on vocals and clarinet and Joss Mann-Hazell on double bass.

See www.saffronhall.com to find out more about all the concerts and to book.