Carmina Burana by Orff was the major work for MFC's summer concert. Experiencing a surge of popularity, with choral societies throughout the land singing this piece at the present time, the audience here received this interpretation very appreciatively.

The excellent Regency Percussion Ensemble, under director Diggory Seacome, together with accomplished pianists Jonathan Higgins and Ross Williams, provided a superb accompaniment. The Dance movement allowed these instrumentalists to be heard at their syncopated best.

Soloists were Elizabeth Cragg, a most competent young soprano, Stephen Davis, a tenor of lyricism, Niall Hoskin, baritone, who ideally might have presented his words to greater dramatic effect, and William Towers, the distinguished counter-tenor, whose short solo was the evening's vocal highlight.

Conductor Iain Sloane, led his musical forces through the scenic cantata, wherein many familiar rhythmic themes are contained. Gentlemen excelled in the section In taberna, and the whole chorus sang meritoriously in Were diu werlt alle min. Malvern Junior Choir, with its director Carol Greene, was involved in two choruses, also.

Earlier we had heard Brahms's Liebesliederwalzer, enhanced considerably by the two piano accompaniment performed expertly, and Tippett's unaccompanied spirituals from A Child of Our Time. The chorus produced its most assured and accurate singing in these, notably during Steal away, and then in Nobody knows when effective entries by the gentlemen set the pace and standard.

Stylish percussion contributions by the Regency Ensemble in compositions by David Lyon and Salzedo completed the varied and enjoyable programme.

Jill Hopkins