FRESH from their successful visit to Holland, The Kidderminster Valentines were in fine voice on Saturday and gave us a super assortment of music.

Out of season, but a joy to hear, All in the April Evening evoked memories of that wonderful Glasgow Orpheus Choir recording from my childhood, and I was delighted that they included The Rose. Another highlight was the exhilarating Hymn and Adiemus.

Soloist Jonathan Darby's selection included I Won't Send Roses from Mack and Mabel, I've Got Plenty of Nothin' from Porgy and Bess, Mr Cellophane from Chicago, and the beautiful Brown Bird Singing.

He also included Yeomen of England which I hadn't heard for years. However, his piéce de resistance was Ol' Man River which evoked cheers from the audience.

The Gentlemen Songsters, from Dudley, have a very strong sound, and I enjoyed their version of Sailing, and Thank You for The Music.

They took Unchained Melody a tad fast for my liking, and I didn't like the arrangement of You'll Never Walk Alone, although they sang it well.

My main criticism of the men is that they were so po-faced all the time. They didn't even crack a smile during the applause following the songs. The Valentines obviously enjoy singing, as do our own male choir, but these Gentlemen need to loosen up a bit.

The Songsters and the Valentines included items from Les Miserables, which were performed superbly - there was the wonderful Do You Hear the People Sing, Bring Him Home, At the End of the Day and On My Own, plus the glorious I Dreamed a Dream.

Compere Peter Tomlinson found a new talent as he illustrated I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, saying it was the most fun he had ever had in Kidderminster Town Hall.

The choirs combined for the finale and created tremendous volume for Rhythm of Life.

VJS