A SECTION of the ESO was joined by Coventry-based Saint Michael's Singers with Paul Ledd-ington-Wright conducting, for the Remembrance Concert, in a programme of music, mainly introspective in mood. Rev Julian Charley gave an introduction and prayer.

Grieg's Holberg Suite of five varied movements included a gently lulling Sarabande, a plaintive Air, with the cellos reiterating the melody, and a Rigau-don where the leader of the first violin and viola sections played the dance tune against pizzicato.

Janet Masters and Susan Burnard were the excellently and evenly mat-ched soloists in Concerto for Two Violins in D minor by Bach. The Largo ma non tanto was especially beautiful, as a continuous thread of poignancy flowed through a string accompaniment.

Barber's prayerful Ada-gio for Strings seemed exc-essively ponderous, with some over-long pauses.

Cantique de Jean Racine by Faure, with introduction and interludes of a harp and low strings was sung by the choir, and had a direct, hymn-like ethos.

Requiem, Op 48, also by Faure, had many meaningful moments. The choir was well balanced and produced good tone when required. An organ was employed also, which added colour and depth to the small orchestra.

A harp, and high violin obligato helped convey the ethereal quality of the Sanctus, and harp again enhanced in the final celestial In Paradisum.

Mark Rowlinson (bass) projected and communicated exceptionally well in Hostias set preces tibi, and was convincing and commanding in Libera me.

Ben Roberts (treble), a Worcester Cathedral chorister, was entrusted with the solo Pie Jesu.

JILL HOPKINS