It is hard to know what to write about the Choir’s hugely successful concert yesterday afternoon at the Chapel.  After all the difficulties encountered during the preceding week, it was astonishing how everything came together to produce a concert which was evidently enjoyed enormously by the audience, and gave us in the Choir a huge sense of satisfaction.

Credit is due to many people for this success.

Firstly, to the orchestra, and especially to our wonderful Concertmaster, Catrina Hughes, for their stylish and graceful playing of the Serenade for Strings and the Schubert Mass.

Secondly, out two soloists were spot on, Ryan singing both tenor and bass solos with dignity and aplomb, and Naomi, standing in at very short notice for a voice-less Anita, thrilling us all with the warm tones of her beautiful voice.

It was a real coup to have Los Inkas join us, as they gave Misa Criolla a real sense of authenticity both musically and visually, in addition to adding some unexpected but very effective spontenaity from time to time.

Then we have to acknowledge Bethany’s tireless work at the piano both for the performance and in the extended rehearsal programme, sensing precisely when we needed support and when we could be left to our own devices.

And last, but by no means least, we salute the man who stands where the buck stops, our Conductor, Carlos.  He has been amazing once again in melding together musicians of all abilities, styles and levels of experience, to create an artistic event worthy of the highest praise.  And this time he has not only masterminded the whole concert ensemble, he has not only conducted us: he has not only accompanied us on the guitar, but he also sang very beautifully two of the solo parts.  He is a man of outstanding talent and character, and we cannot remind ourselves too often how fortunate we are to have him as our Conductor.

Tempting as it would be to rest on our laurels, we have to start preparing for the December concert next Thursday.  It will be very different – Bach, Handel and Christmas carols.

But then variety is the spice of life.