THOUGH depleted in numbers, the choristers sang their hearts out to produce another terrific programme, under the baton of David Barclay.

Among all the great music, one item was outstanding, the best song from Miss Saigon - Bui-Doi, when the solo was sung by Harry Lewis. This received the most applause of the evening.

I also particularly enjoyed The Lost Chord, an all-time favourite of mine, which is performed too rarely.

The programme started with Roman War Song, when I was surprised at how much volume this smaller choir managed to achieve.

We heard a variety of music, which included a negro spiritual The Lily of the Valley, Danny Boy with the solo by Sam Whitehouse, the beautiful Cavatina and a Yiddish folk song called Tumbalalaika.

The choir also gave what I think was their best performance to date of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Guest singer Elizabeth Macdonald, a fine lyric soprano, entertained with Waltz of My Heart, by Ivor Novello and songs from Show Boat - Bill and Can't Help Lovin' That Man, and she also sang Body and Soul, which I hadn't heard for years.

As a real treat, she sang another far too rarely performed item, Dvorak's Songs my Mother taught me and the lovely Fauré song Aprés un Rêve.

Following a medley of Glenn Miller tunes, my favourite always Moonlight Serenade, the official programme ended with Elizabeth joining the choir in Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.

As always, the programme was compered in his inimitable style by Howard Vaughan.

Congratulations to Margaret Tillot, who stepped in as accompanist at 24 hours' notice, and coped expertly with the music.

We were treated to an encore, Alexander's Ragtime Band, bringing another glorious evening of music-making to a close. VJS