YOU never feel short-changed by Kidderminster Male Choir, and this superb concert was no exception.

They are always a class act, and on this occasion dug deep for another quality - stamina.

This concert lasted more than three hours and not even Victor Meldrew could have complained at the variety provided for an appreciative full house.

The locals were sharing the stage with the Aber Valley Male Voice Choir, making their visit to the town, but whose rich Welsh tones quickly won the hearts of the audience and contributed to a memorable musical night.

The two choirs provided an intriguing mix of traditional and modern, allowing choral standards to sit nicely alongside Zulu and Kosovan prayers and even hits by Abba, The Animals and The Hollies.

Two rising stars on the programme provided the solo entertainment, tenor Mark Cunningham and pianist Jonathan French wowing everyone on their first appearances in Kidderminster.

It was also a special night for conductor Harry Lewis, who had waited a long time to take centre stage at the Kidderminster choir's annual concert.

He picked up the baton with an infectious exuberance and it would not be surprising if he was still clinging on to it today!

CSJ