St. Barnabas Church, Carlisle

Under their wonderfully-inspiring charismatic conductor Hilary Hodgson, Dalston Male Voice Choir gave a truly moving and magical concert in the beautiful surroundings of St Barnabas Church, which must surely have one of the best acoustics in the region.

From spirituals to grand opera as well as music from New Zealand and Africa there was something for everyone in a programme which moved the spirit and stirred the soul.

The mellifluous choral sounds were beautifully-blended and balanced, the pianissimo singing being particularly compelling.

You really could hear a pin drop.

Young trumpeter Katrina Evans showed much promise in her solo items, producing rich tone and showing a real feeling for style, especially in the three operatic Marches in the second half.

Colin Brind was her last minute accompanist. Despite little time to rehearse there was mostly good ensemble and the audience clearly warmed to Katrina’s emerging talent.

This was the first concert at which the newly acquired Challen grand piano was played and in Lorraine Gash, the choir’s accompanist it could not have had a better baptism. Her playing throughout the evening was hugely sensitive and supportive.