Classical Preview: Elgar's Dream marks end of an era for Moore

Moore arrived in York in 1983 having established a major career as a church organist at Canterbury and Guildford cathedrals, succeeding the legendary Francis Jackson as Master of Music at York Minster.

With that appointment came, in time-honoured tradition, the conductorship of the Musical Society, and the rather difficult task of continuing where the outgoing personality of Jackson had left off.

The society dates back to 1765 and Moore resisted the trend of other major British choirs who were seeking more impact and virtuosity, and concentrated on creating a warmth and humanity that was to characterise his performances.

Having recently retired from his role at the Minster, he will, for the coming season, be handing over the baton to the new young incumbent, Robert Sharpe.

Elgar wrote of the Dream, "this, if anything of mine, is worth your memory", words that must be appropriate to Moore's own farewell. It is a performance enhanced by the presence of Germany's Philharmonischer Chor from Munster, and the professional York-based, Ebor Singers.

Peter Auty – who will shortly star in Opera North's new production of Bizet's Carmen – returns to the place of his younger years where he was a Minster Songman, to play the dying Gerontius. The Angel is sung by Jane Irwin, with Jonathan Saunders completing the soloists.

York Musical Society, York Minster, June 19, 7.30pm. 0844 939 0015.