The Brighton Singers, The Regent’s Orchestra, Peter Michael Davison (conductor)

Elgar’s Serenade in E minor served as a lovely instrumental appetiser, with the rich acoustic of the hall a refined counterpart to the octet’s nuanced playing. The chorus was finely balanced – with more men than some amateur choirs helping to deliver a rounded sound – and the bass and soprano parts truly soared. The programme was enjoyably varied, and the choir deftly evoked the calm of Whitacre’s ‘Lux Aurumque’ and bolder, more forthright pieces from Bob Chilcott, Richard Rodney Bennett and more. Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass was a fun centrepiece, utilising both the octet and choir. The voices were occasionally a little drowned out but thankfully rose in both volume and vigour in the final movements.

St Paul’s Church, 6 December 2015

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