A CAPACITY audience at the Riding Mill Choral Society’s Christmas Concert on December 19 was given a real treat – a mix of great choral music and Christmas carols.

From the very start the choir impressed. It looked immaculate as members walked in.

Before the interval we heard two pieces. The first of these was an arrangement of Psalm 100 by Mendelssohn, Jauchzet dem Herrn alle Welt (Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands).

Sung a capella, the music started exuberantly with a loud chord on C-major, each voice picking up on a different note.

This was masterful. One was aware that immediately the audience was brought to attention.

Here was a choir in full control, and all in tune with one another, beginning a concert of some complexity with confidence and accuracy.

A masterful performance of a less well-known work.

Then we heard Fauré’s Requiem. This wonderful piece, one of the best known of all requiems, is often performed with greater zeal than tonal accuracy demands.

Not on this occasion, however.

The choir was in complete control of the music under Sarah Robinson’s direction.

The two parts which stood out for me were the Offertorium and the Pie Jesu.

In the Offertorium the baritone (Hexham’s Michael Ronan) was sublime in the tonal phrasing of his solo.

Equally the Pie Jesu, arguably one of the most famous parts of the requiem, was sung beautifully by the youngest of the choir members, 13-year-old Sioned Slee, from Riding Mill.

The whole requiem was quite stunningly presented to us and each member of the choir thoroughly deserves praise.

After the wine and mince pies during the interval the choir embarked on performing Christmas carols.

Some were much less well known than others, but these, and the carols sung by everybody, put people into the right mind and heart for Christmas.

At the interval, and again at the end, those there were commenting on the performance.

Typically it was said that this was the best ever heard from the choir.

And in my recollection it was! Timing was excellent, sympathetic handling of the music was so beautifully worked out, and tonal accuracy just impeccable.

Sarah Robinson has developed this already fine choir.

Members have responded so well under her direction and the success of this first concert with Sarah in charge bodes extremely well for the future.

As ever, the able and professional support, from Robert Laws, accompanist, was just great.

By George Proud