St Michael's Church, Dalston

I have been attending these concerts now for several years but never have I enjoyed the afternoon so much. For one thing the choir was on top form; that cannot be denied. The soothing sounds filled the church; which was filled to capacity and the mulled wine and mince pies which followed was a great idea. It created a very special atmosphere for the village.

The music was well planned so that we had one section of choir favourites and two sections of seasonal songs. What struck me first of all was the contrasts that were achieved in the choice of music. We had Welsh carols alongside, spirituals, followed by a medieval carol and a Polish carol. The programme had been really well worked out.

"Autumn Leaves" was a beautiful opening song, as we saw autumn turning into winter, but my favourite of all in the first section was "Water of Tyne", a love song with a difference with some very special surging sounds depicting the waves. The section was rounded of with a very lively rendition of "Rhythm of Life". Brilliant.

I am not sure which of the Christmas music I would choose as my favourite. "Te Laudamus" must have the top position in the end, but "Do You Hear What I hear" had a haunting quality which stays with one and Gaudete, with the fine soloists contrasted well to the images of the "Winter "Wonderland " which followed.

The announcer David Wood entertained with his dry humour throughout and I was pleased that he gave praise to Lorraine Gash who accompanied with her great talent. In every way, I think that the choir under the direction of talented musical director Michael Deakin were seen, (and heard) at their best.