The choir opened with the glorious Chorale Elegia by Karl Jenkins, where usual words are replaced by his own created ‘language’. This was sung with the choir surrounding the audience and created a heart warming backdrop to the whole event. The choir then assembled on the stage and followed with another Karl Jenkins piece, Za Ma Ba. This gave an opportunity for a senior member of the Sopranos, Jo Brown, to conduct – a new departure for the choir, showing how opportunities to shine are being created.

It was also great that Neil Clarke could step in to fill the role of accompanist for this concert – which he accomplished with skill and panache.

With its focus on British composers, arrangers and writers, the next section of songs such as the Skye Boat Song, The Keel Row and the Big Hewer gave an earthy and entertaining contrast to the more ethereal opening pieces.

After giving a Gaelic Blessing to the assembled throng, a moving and deeply spiritual piece by John Rutter, focus shifted to the greatest of all writers in the English language, William Shakespeare. The punchy and vivacious Full Fathom Five, based on the Tempest, was composed by Adam Howell who is an old friend of the choir and was its accompanist for many years. Who is Sylvia, arranged by George Shearing, gave a gentle contrast to this lively piece and was followed by Double Trouble a John Williams number from the Harry Potter stable.

The second half stared with two songs from My Fair Lady, Ascot Gavotte (sung with wonderful clipped vowels and clip clopping interlude) and a superbly acted ensemble of dear Eliza wishing for cozy fire and plentiful chocolate in Wouldn’t it be Loverly. After that a second ensemble piece, Blow the Wind Southerly, another safe home evocation, gave a softer introduction to three choir favourites, Skyfall, We Are All the Stars and Circle of Life. and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

And to finish a mix of the popular Can you Feel the Love Tonight and Piping down the Valleys Wild, English surrealism in the form of William Blake’s words and Bob Chilcott’s arrangements concluding what was in equal parts, a moving, entertaining, spiritual and glorious celebration of Tempest and Tranquility.