A rousing 'O Praise the Lord' by Adrian Batten launched the proceedings with the choir producing their clear well-balanced sound, closely followed by well sung pieces by Victoria and Mendelssohn. The central 'Latin' section followed with a lovely acapella version of Mozart's Ave Verum.

As in their previous concerts the grouped sections were interspersed with instrumental interludes; the tunefully quirky Sonata No. 3 by CPE Bach and the World Premier of Soliloquy No3 for clarinet composed by Barry and Sarah Ryerson, exquisitely played by Musical Director John Mingay and Sarah Ryerson respectively. The choir really excelled themselves with the performance of English Madrigals by Morley, Gibbons and Vautor, with a particularly jolly version of 'Now is the Month of Maying'.

However, the choir left the best till last - the final group starting with West Dorset composer Reginald Pocock, and the highlight of the evening being Three Spirituals from Michael Tippet's 'Child of our Time' generating an emotionally charged atmosphere.

The choir is gaining confidence with each performance and it is obvious that John Mingay has groomed the choir and instilled enjoyment into the proceedings. The choir's next concert is at the Beaminster Festival and if you like your music to provide a smile and move you in equal measure you should not hesitate to give the choir a go.

Brian Ritchie