Enniskillen is gearing up to host the Irish premiere of Requiem for Solace on March 24.

The Fermanagh Choral Society will perform the concert by Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen in St Michael’s Church.

The 50 minute composition, which will form the second half of the concert, was originally commissioned by the Nidaros Cathedral Boys' Choir in 2014.

Requiem for Solace combines pieces from the original Requiem Mass, an Emily Dickinson poem and a remembrance poem of unknown origin.

Mr. Arnesen said: “The work is not dedicated to any particular person or group, but written with the aim of providing solace to people who are in pain and grieving, or to assist in a moment of remembrance and honour.”

Keith Acheson, musical director of Fermanagh Choral Society, described it as a "fantastic musical and emotional journey".

He added: "The first half, including well known classical favourites by John Rutter, Gabriel Fauré and others, is then followed by this beautiful and recently composed Requiem.

“Many choir members across the country will probably know, performed and fallen in love with some of Kim’s shorter pieces.

"This will be a great opportunity for the public to come along and experience one of his largest works, for the very first time on the island of Ireland.”

Complementing the chamber ensemble of strings, percussion and trumpet that features in Requiem for Solace is soprano soloist Anna Gregg, who has won awards such as the Deborah Voight Opera Prize at the Glenarm Festival of Voice and the Northern Ireland Opera Young Opera Voice of 2023.

She continues to make regular appearances with performing groups such as such as Sestina and NI Opera despite being now based in London.

Mr. Acheson said: "We are just delighted to have Anna performing with us on the night.

"I had the privilege of working with her for the first time last year and knowing the music Kim has written for the soloist, this will be a really special performance and one simply not to be missed."

The event starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10.00, and is free for children and students.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or at Mercer’s Jewellers, High Street, Enniskillen, or through Fermanagh Choral Society members.