Sir David Willcocks who was organist at Worcester Cathedral from 1950-1957, returned to conduct the three cathedral choirs and Bournmouth Symphony Orchestra, including a small organ, for a concert of Mozart's music.

The esteemed Sir David directed with his customary energy and discernment, defying his chronological age.

Regina coeli. K.276 made a bold start. Alleluia repeated often on long elaborate runs, were executed carefully, and with passion.

Mass in C minor, K427 was the main work. Kyrie eleison set a brisk pace. Soprano soloist Ruth Holton sang long florid passages rising high and then plumbing to the depths of her vocal compass with admirable control. Soon she was joined in responses by the young fresh voices of the choristers, and mature lay-clerks, singing in particularly good voice.

Julie Cooper, soprano also, used her extensive vocal range to advantage in Laudamus te.

John Bowley, tenor, sang in trio with the two ladies for Quoniam tu solus, and with Peter Savidge, bass, they formed a quartet to sing Benedictus most beautifully.

The choir sang Miserere very expressively as it built up to a climax, then continued to diminuendo until pianissimo was reached. In Cum sancto spiritu the choir emerged from another wonderful pianissimo, and sang lustily, stunning low strings accompanying, and brass shining through.

Sanctus allowed the choir to sing on full throttle before its finely paced fugal singing of the Hosanna, which was repeated with the full orchestra, brass to the fore, as the finale.

Jill Hopkins