A LARGE audience had a treat in St James Church Dursley last Saturday, with a concert by the Oriana Singers under their conductor David Moss and accompanied by the Severn Strings Orchestra, leader JustineTomlinson.

The programme contained 3 works, Magnificat by J.S. Bach, Te Deum Laudamus by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and one of the eleven Chandos anthems by Handel, “O Praise the Lord with one consent”, and as always was enhanced by the interesting programme notes compiled by David Moss.

The choir was in fine voice and both tuning and diction were very good throughout the evening.

The performance was assured and uplifting, the choir responding to the excellent orchestra to create some very exciting moments. The crisp and rhythmic Sicut locutus est in the Magnificat more than made up for a slightly shaky entry earlier in the work.

After an instrumental introductory prelude The Charpentier piece, written slightly earlier than the Magnificat, in around 1690, was characterised to great effect by contrasting interplay between choral passages and delicately accompanied solos. The balance was especially good in Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis.

The Handel anthem was full of good tunes – with a definite hint of “Messiah” here and there! The chorus delivered “Ye boundless realms of joy” with energy and great diction. The solo arias were delightful, including a beautifully sung contralto piece by Fiona McKay, despite it being written at the very bottom of her vocal range! The bass Martin le Poidevin, making a welcome return visit to sing with the choir, was also in fine voice in this piece.

The orchestra accompanied both choir and soloists with rhythm and sensitivity throughout the evening, and Bach’s gorgeous writing for instrument and solo voice was particularly beautiful . Julie Kench, Gillian Wells and Peter Bates completed the splendid soloist line-up, singing in various voice combinations as well as their solo passages.

It was clear during interval wine and conversation that the choir members were all thoroughly enjoying the occasion, and this came across in the music. Altogether a delightful evening, and one of which David Moss, the Oriana Singers and their guest musicians should be very proud.

By Pauline Thomas