WHAT a treat for those who attended Bridgwater Choral Society’s recent performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion in St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater.

For the most part the orchestral accompaniment led by Brigid Kirkland-Wilson was sensitively executed and the balance between instrumentalists and singers was good.

There was some fine oboe playing and beautifully shaped violin solos in some of the arias.

In particular the string playing in the alto’s aria, Have mercy, Lord on me, was a joy to listen to.

There were just a few untidy moments in a couple of the faster movements when the ensemble between orchestra and singers did not quite match, but unity was soon recaptured.

The five soloists were a fine group of musicians. Louis Hurst - Jesus, Bo Wang - Evangelist, Charlotte Newstead - Soprano, Fiona Mackay - Alto and Stephen Whitford - Bass.

Spcial mention should go to the young Stephen Whitford who is still in the Upper 6th Form of Dean Close School in Cheltenham.

Stephen has a lovely warm, even tone throughout his range and sings with great commitment and maturity. A young man with an exciting musical future ahead.

It was also excellent to have the Chamber Choir from Bruton School for Girls singing the ripieno choir part.

A fine evening of music was expertly directed by the choral society’s conductor, Iain Cooper. Congratulations to all.