THIS "Meditation on the sacred passion of the Holy Redeemer" was a new departure for many at Upton Parish Church and was a moving experience. The music was not difficult to listen to and it was good to be able to join in the hymns, which gave people a chance to think about what the choir and soloists had been singing.

The choir consisted of the Upton Parish Choir, augmented by other singers drawn from round about. The soloists were both 'in-house', the tenor solos being sung by Rector Christopher Hardwick, and the bass solos by the Upton organist Charles Allsopp. The parish is indeed fortunate to have singers of such high calibre within its ranks.

Both soloists made the words clear and both produced effective variation of volume, Charles Allsopp almost making the pillars shake in his rendering of Is it nothing to you? and Christopher Hardwick being particularly moving in the last quietly contemplative recitative. Charles Allsopp's rendering of There was darkness conveyed the mystery, aided and abetted by the superb playing of the organ by David Newsholme. The duet So thou liftest thy divine petition was beautifully modulated, with perfect matching of tone and pace. It was spine tingling.

The organ playing was very atmospheric and set the scene most effectively at the beginning. Organist David Newsholme played throughout with great expertise and sensitivity.

The choir sang tunefully, though it was sometimes difficult to hear the words. It was a delight to see such a wide range from the very young to the more senior. All gave great concentration to the work and the harmonies were sweet. There was a sympathetic rendering of the changes in mood and emphasis and an effective variation in volume. Fling Wide the Gates was particularly successful with all the interjections coming across clearly.

Conductor Linda Hardwick deserves praise for her hard work and enthusiasm. The latter came across in the way she used full sweeps of her arms combined with delicacy of fingers to encourage the singers to convey the nuances of the music.

It was a memorable hour and one that all who were there would wish to be repeated.

ELEANOR GRIGSON