THE undoubted highlight of the 24th annual evening of music-making was provided by the talented 15-year-old John Garner.

This young violinist, who is West Midland Light Orchestra's youngest member, superbly played the solo part in the theme music from the film Schindler's List - a departure from the normal music played by WMLO, and the entire orchestra must be applauded for a most sympathetic accompaniment.

They did, however, manage to almost totally "drown out" singer Jacquie Blake when she took the stage.

Usually in these reviews, I praise Stourport Brass Band, who generally give a fine performance. Not so this year. They were nowhere near their usual standard, and I was extremely disappointed with their section.

The only item they played which I really enjoyed was Pastime with Good Company, apparently written by King Henry VIII when he was 24. This was a song of dancing, singing, hunting and generally having a good time, and the band gave this a good airing.

The Kidderminster Valentines were spot on as usual, from the haunting Hymn Adiemus, to Chattanooga Choo Choo and even a barber's shop style version of Malotte Lord's Prayer which worked well, to my surprise.

Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra, as always, brought the evening to a close, firstly playing the overture Fingal's Cave by Mendelssohn, and then accompanying the "proms".

Making her debut at MFY, Margaret Peters took the solo in Rule Britannia and led the audience in the usual Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.

As always, this was a good night of music. VJS