THE choir were joined by Holborne Brass Ensemble, who began brilliantly, transporting us to New Orleans as they walked through the audience playing Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

Highlights were a comedy version of Carnival of Venice and the jazz standard That's A Plenty.

All members of the ensemble are talented, the tuba player, Ian Foster, particularly impressive, but their choice of music was sometimes disappointing, and the Air on the G string needed a violin.

The choir were in superb voice, and I particularly enjoyed the section including Eli Jenkins' Prayer, God so loved the World and The Lost Chord which were all sung beautifully.

The piano seemed intrusive in Jamaica Farewell - I was more aware of the instrument than the singers.

The concert ended on a real high with I Dreamed a Dream, a chaotic This Old Man and Nessun Dorma, followed by encores, Morte Criste and You'll Never Walk Alone.

Peter Tomlinson compered with his usual flair, but I missed Howard Vaughan.

VJS.