Friday’s ‘Grand Tour’ performance by the Cecilian Choir was tremendous, as the group demonstrated a terrific flexibility and control of dynamics in performance. Ranging from the Renaissance polyphony of Palestrina, the colourful harmonies of Duruflé, the Sturm un Drang of Brahms and Bruckner, to the feisty Dowland, the choir showed an assured grasp of the finer nuances of style. The range of dynamics was exhibited to fine effect in the two settings of the ‘Ave Verum’ by Mozart and Saint-Saëns, the intimacy of the Mozart balanced by the power of the Saint-Saëns.

On song: the Cecilian Choir

Aided by stirring performing from the brass quintet, and some insightful readings from Alanya Holder, Ben Roberts-Waite and Imogen Lock (also members of the choir), the concert travelled from England to Rome and back in fine style.

With thanks to the several alumni who returned to sing, and to all the performers for working to make the concert a success. Roll on next term: more details about the summer concert in a few weeks…