THE atmosphere of Vienna's Musikwerein was recreated in the second of what must now surely have become an annual New Year's Day concert.

Once again organised by the Lions Clubs of Worcestershire, the proceeds from this concert were donated to Kemp Hospice, and Acorns Children's Hospice.

I am not sure why Ronald Binge's Elizabethan Serenade was included in a programme of Viennese music, but it is always welcome in any evening of popular light music, and was played beautifully. Elgar's Serenade for Strings was not in keeping with the rest of the programme, and an under-par performance of this rather doleful piece just prior to the interval was a mistake.

Something cheerful would have been more appropriate.

Also, the short Shakespearean extract was unnecessary and out of sync with the occasion.

Judith Horton, the guest soprano, has a voice just made to sing Lehar's music, and her versions of On My Lips Every Kiss is Like Wine, and Vilja stood out in her selection.

The second half of the programme was glorious Strauss -Roses from the South, Pizzicato, Thunder and Lightning and Tritsch Tratsch polkas and, of course, Blue Danube and Radetzky March (which was encored).

This was certainly another successful programme - I look forward to next year's.

VJS