A MALDON choir caught up in catastrophic earthquake in Italy this summer will hold a fundraising concert in memory of those who died.

St Mary’s Choir were on tour in Umbria when the 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Accumoli in the centre of the country on August 24.

They were staying in Scheggino, just over 75 kilometres from the epicentre of the quake, where the village escaped damage.

In total 298 people lost their lives in what was the largest tremor in the region since 2009.

Now the choir will put on a charity performance of Mozart’s Requiem next month to raise money for the Italian Red Cross.

The announcement of the concert came the same week a further two earthquakes measuring 5.5 and 6.1 magnitude struck central Italy.

No one is thought to have died as a result of the quakes but numerous buildings were damaged.

Colin Baldy, director of music, said: “St Mary's choir were on tour in Umbria when the [August] earthquake hit. Mercifully, we all survived unscathed.

“We are raising money for those who were not so lucky by putting on a charity performance of Mozart's Requiem.

“All proceeds will go to the Italian Red Cross fund for the earthquake victims.

“The concert also features a beautiful new composition by James Davy, Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral, who was with the choir in Italy.

“His Pie Jesu was written in the days following the earthquake.”

The concert will take place on November 12 at St Mary’s Church in Church Street, Maldon, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 or £10 for concessions and are available from the Maldon Tourist Information office on 01621856503 or on the door.