The Master Singers of Virginia, a 28-member choral ensemble directed by Erik Reid Jones, announce their Winter Concerts featuring works by French composers Frank Martin and Francis Poulenc.

Frank Martin's Mass is considered by many to be the greatest a cappella choral work of the 20th century. In addition, the Master Singers will perform Poulenc's Chansons Francaises, eight of the most charming French folk songs ever set to music and filled with Poulenc's brilliance.

Concerts will be held on the following dates, times, and locations:

• Friday, March 4, 2005 – 8 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls (preconcert lecture at 7:15)

• Saturday, March 5, 2005 – 8 p.m. St. Peters Episcopal Church, 37018 Glendale St., Purcellville (pre-concert lecture at 7:15)

• Friday, March 11, 2005 – 8 p.m. at Our Savior's Way, 43115 Waxpool Rd., Ashburn (pre-concert lecture at 7:15)

• Saturday, March 12, 2005 – 8 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St., NW, Leesburg (pre-concert lecture at 7:15)

Tickets are now available for the Winter Concerts at $12 for adults and $9 for students. Discounted tickets for the Winter plus Spring concerts are also available for $21 adults/$16 students. For a complete concert schedule and to order tickets on-line, visit www.msva.org or call 703-655-7809 for more information.

In addition to Frank Martin's Mass, the Master Singers are also privileged to present some of Martin's unpublished French chansons for choir and harp, courtesy of his widow, Maria. The Master Singers will cap off the concert with folk songs of Robert de Cormier, including the charming "Soldier, Soldier, Won't You Marry Me?" also with harp, and a rousing spiritual by William Dawson, "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel."

This is the Master Singers' 10th season. The Washington Post has declared that "The Master Singers of Virginia is among the state's finest choral ensembles and one of the best-kept secrets." The ensemble is dedicated to bringing the highest quality choral music to the people of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Concentrating primarily on 20th- and 21st-century choral music, the Master Singers use their concerts to enrich, educate, and entertain their audiences.