THE Boyon Ensemble, on its 14th tour of the UK, has built up a large contingent of admirers, as was obvious from the enthusiastic audience in the Priory.
The first part of its programme was devoted to the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy.
Following invitational carillon bells, various liturgies continued in succession, commanding tenor and bass soloists emulating proclamations by deacons and priests.
The unaccompanied choir was glorious as Russian harmonies ebbed and flowed through a magnificent variegation of dynamics.
A pure soprano voice hovered above in a triple litany, and It is Truly Meet, a lovely contrast with the men, and powerful bass solos were incorporated into the litany of supplication and the closing Strengthen, O Lord.
This was immaculate singing of great beauty and impeccable tuning.
Ukrainian folk songs filled the second part and this was a time for humour and a more relaxed style. A fine tenor with easy high notes came to the fore in Calm Water, and the soprano featured in a saucy Lament of the Galican Girls.
Folk instruments accompanied the final group, including a bandura for The Bandura Player and cacophony of wind and farmyard noises in Beyond the Barn.
Brothers Yuriy and Volodymyr Kuratch had shared the conducting.
JILL HOPKINS
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