THE Hilliard Ensemble, who have performed sell-out concerts across the world, are coming to Taunton next week in what is being billed as the town’s largest classical music concert since the closure of The Gaumont Theatre nearly 40 years ago.

The Hilliard Ensemble have clocked up 40 years of chart success and will be performing for an 800 all-ticket audience at St Mary Magdalene Church next Wednesday, December 10 – in one of the group’s last performances before they retire at Christmas.

After their visit to Taunton they fly to Florence and Cologne before heading back to London’s Wigmore Hall for their final concert.

Peter Lewis of Music on the Quantocks, the concert organisers, said: “We are still pinching ourselves that the Hilliards chose Taunton for such a prestigious event.”

He added: “It’s a dream come true and a massive boost to Taunton’s cultural ambitions.”

Demand for tickets has posed major problems for the volunteers running the box office.

Mr Lewis said: “All seats were snapped up within 24 hectic hours by local residents six months ago but we are still being swamped by ticket requests from the UK and abroad. Well over 7,000 so far.”

The four members of the Hilliard Ensemble are expected to perform a “greatest hits” programme of Christmas choral music from across eight centuries.

There will be at least one piece from Officium, their million-selling cross-over CD with saxophonist Jan Garbarek.

A small number of returned tickets will be available for resale from tomorrow (Friday). Only residents within 20 miles of Taunton are eligible to buy these by emailing quantocks@live.co.uk.