The programme for our concert to mark the Centenary year of St Francis of Assisi Church, contained a mix of hymns, secular and choral music, and folk songs.

The concert opened in a powerful fashion, with the choir processing into the Church to Dan Forrest’s arrangement of Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.  Forrest’s works featured prominently throughout the concert, including poignant performances of Nearer My God To Thee, In All Things Love, and Come to Me.

Other pieces performed by the choir included Pergolesi’s Magnificat, James Whitbourn’s  Prayer of Desmond Tutu, John Rutter’s Praise Ye the Lord and folk favourites Danny Boy and The Water of Tyne.

Our soloists were a highlight of the concert.  Samantha Oxborough delivered a breathtaking and powerful rendition of The Lord’s Prayer and Victoria Harley’s performance of Mozart’s Alleluia from Exultate Jubilate effortlessly captured the joy and technical finesse of the piece.

Special guest Yurii Biletskyi, visiting from Ukraine, captivated the audience with a virtuosic performance of Piazzolla’s La Grande Tango on the viola and, adding further richness to the programme, a piano duet by Sara Wilander and Melissa Morris  offered a delightful interlude.

The concert concluded on a jubilant note with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a challenging piece that was executed with precision and energy by the choir and soloists.

Altogether, the concert was a testament to the choir’s versatility and the thoughtful curation of a programme that celebrated a wide range of musical traditions.