St Mary's Church, Kidderminster.

DURING the first few items sung by the choir, I wondered why they didn't sound right.

Then I realised - the acoustics in St Mary's Church are nowhere near as good as in Kidderminster Town Hall, where I usually hear our award-winning choir.

Unfortunately, in the church, the sound was diminished and somewhat distorted, so I did not enjoy their opening section.

Once my ears had adjusted to the difference, I enjoyed the rest of the programme more, especially Malotte's wonderful setting of the Lord's Prayer, and the two items from Les Miserables - I Dreamed a Dream and Bring Him Home.

The soloist was Mary Cahill, and my favourites among her selection were Jeunes Fillettes, and Pergolesi's If Thou Lov'st Me, which suited her voice to perfection.

This was a relaxing evening, with some lovely music, and the quieter items, such as Calm is the Sea and An Evening's Pastorale did not suffer so much with the acoustic problems.

But the stronger numbers, such as Morte Criste, were lost in the rafters.

Back to the town hall please, gentlemen.

VJS