AFTER another busy concert season as conductor of Plymouth Philharmonic Choir, you might think that Christopher Fletcher might like a few weeks off – especially as their recent concert of works by Donizetti and Puccini was just a few days ago!

But Christopher will be in action again this Saturday, July 4, in his other role as conductor of the Chagford Singers.

Furthermore the featured work, Karl Jenkins' The Armed Man, formed part of the Philharmonic's previous highly-successful concert, given in aid of Combat Stress, and one of Christopher's soloists will be soprano, Catherine Hamilton, who has already appeared with the Philharmonic on a number of occasions.

The performance takes place in Moretonhampstead Parish Church at 7.30pm and there is still time to take advantage of the advance-booking discount of £2 by phoning Kathleen Perkins (01647 221269). Tickets at the door will cost £12.

Meanwhile, Saltash's indefatigable town Mayor and concert-organiser, Sue Hooper, has a busy couple of weeks, also beginning this Saturday, when Saltash Wesley Church echoes to the sounds of the Loveny, and the Brixham Orpheus Male Voice Choirs, together with soloist, Maggie Holden.

The Cornwall-based Loveny Choir has been established for almost 40 years, while their Brixham counterparts have been around even longer. Both choirs are noted for their wide-ranging programmes mixing sacred and secular repertoire with a good sense of humour.

Tickets (£5 / children under 16 free) are available from Sue Hooper (01752 843073), or Piglets and Saltash News in the town. The evening's proceeds are in aid of the recently-formed Saltash Girls' Choir, who will themselves be involved in another concert organised by Sue the following Saturday, July 11, in Saltash Guildhall.

Full details follow next week, but as this also looks like being a sell-out, you are advised to contact Sue in good time to book your seats!

On Sunday, July 5, in the Great Hall, Dartington at 3pm, singer/song-writers, Josie Newton and Benjamin Larham, take the next slot in the Young Artists' Showcase Series.

Their individual styles and original compositions have drawn on influences from such diverse artists as Nerina Pallot, Amy MacDonald, Stephen Sondheim and Wayne Cilento, and the afternoon should prove a stimulating exploration of the intimate art of solo performance.

Tickets (£2.50 / children & students free) are available on the door, but again you are advised to book in advance from the Box Office (01803 847070) to avoid disappointment.

It's hard to believe that it's now almost a year since last year's International Summer School at Dartington! This year's eclectic mix of early, classical, jazz, world, rock, and pop music starts its five-week run on July 25.

Even if you haven't booked for any of the weekly courses, there's a breathtaking selection of concerts open to the general public, featuring such internationally-acclaimed artists as pianists, John Lill, Daniel Adni and Stephen Kovacevich, violinist, Chloë Hanslip, the Barbirolli and Carducci Quartets, and conductor, Sir Charles Mackerras. Further information is available from the website (www.dartington.org/summer-school), or catch up with each week's highlights, as they are previewed here, nearer the time.

On Friday July 10 at 7.30pm, the Lynn Wind Ensemble presents a programme of trios and quartets by Ibert, Arrieu, Français and Richard Rodney Bennett at St John's Church, Bridgetown, Totnes.

Tickets (£12 / £6 children) are available at the door, or in advance from Divertimento (01803 863677).