IT'S always good to get an invitation to a birthday party.
Few, however, can be as good as this. Southport Bach Choir has reached the age when they need a ruby wedding card, the magical milestone of 40 years.
And good for them, as this was something of a special event. They presented an ambitious all-Bach programme. To be honest, it was a line-up which would make many professionals flinch. The Bach Magnificat in the same half as his motet Komm, Jesu, Komm.
And the Ascension Oratorio as an overture with just the Third Orchestral Suite to fill in time.
Heavy going for the performers but what wonderful stuff for the crowds who turned up to hear this significant event.
The opening performance of the Ascension Concerto said it all. The accompaniment was excellent, comprising names known from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the BBC Philharmonic and the Halle. Throughout, they simply got it together, musically. They played as a real ensemble.
The opening Ascension Oratorio had some beautiful moments for the choir which, throughout, had been obviously well rehearsed by conductor David Williams. The excellent chorale proved the point.
There were some excellent soloists, too. Tenor Dick Vandaele is a name to watch. His solos were exemplary, almost perfection. The same could be said of bass John Molloy.
Add to that a beautifully light and - dare one say it - Baroque approach to Bach's Third Orchestral Suite, and this was a great birthday party.
