A concert of two beautiful halves

This unaccompanied chamber choir of 15 singers, directed by John Mingay, sang with feeling, conviction and a sense of purpose to create an atmosphere of prayer and reflection. The voices blended beautifully, creating a rich tapestry of interwoven sound and the acoustics were excellent.

Sixteenth-century Latin motets by Viadana, Palestrina and others from continental Europe were followed by English pieces, including those by Byrd, Tallis and less well known composers like Mudd.

After some appetising refreshments in the delightful manor gardens, where audience and singers could mingle, the second half resumed wtih four charming secular pieces. I can still hear the sopranos' "cuckoo, cuckoo" that resounded above the banter between the other voices in Macfarren's When daisies pied and the audience engaged with this light-heartedness and fun. We were then treated to a miscellany of songs including Hey nonny no! by Cooke, a 20th-centiry Yorkshireman.

If this wonderful singing wasn't enough, John Mingay also gave three short organ recitals.

The evening concluded where it began; on a religious theme. The Lord's Prayer was a quiet and meditative piece from the Russian Orthodox liturgy. Its delivery was poignant especially when, suddenly, not 15 but one bass voice was heard.

The event was well attended and the audience was appreciate of the variety of the two halves.

Ruth Jenkins