THE Oriana Singers performed in St James Church Dursley on April 5, under their Director and Conductor, David Moss.

This concert very much exceeded the sum of the parts – the choir in fine voice with excellent diction and tuning throughout, brilliant organist Nigel Davies providing an accompaniment as rich as a symphony orchestra, and beautifully poised soloists Martin le Poidevin and Julie Kench.

Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem was the key work, and was a really thrilling experience, with marvellous balance between choir, soloists and organist.

An explanatory note in the programme observes: “Dona Nobis Pace is a plea for peace, and certainly depicts the horrors of war, but it offers much consolation as well. It is appropriate that we perform it in the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War.”

The words of the five movements bring together the Latin Agnus Dei, poems of American Civil War Poet Walt Whitman, words of John Bright, an English Quaker and Liberal MP, and biblical texts. With such moving and meaningful texts, it was excellent to provide copies for the audience, and much appreciated.

With an eye for every detail, the choir took the bold decision to stand throughout the five movements, each of which is linked to the next. The effect of such stillness and focus enhanced the performance immeasurably.

In the second half Julie Kench sang Et Incarnatus Est by Mozart, her glorious voice ringing round the church. The choir then sang Three Motets by Austrian Composer Anton Bruckner, with a lovely sound, and accomplished key changes. They rounded off the concert with The King Shall Rejoice, written by George Frederic Handel for the coronation of George II and Queen Caroline in 1727. The final Allelujah brought the concert to an uplifting close.

This was a big programme for a choir of 30, and it was a triumph for the Oriana Singers and for David Moss. We wish them well for their forthcoming tour to Germany in June. They are indeed great musical Ambassadors for this area.

By Pauline Thomas