ONCE again Kendal South Choir came up trumps under the expert direction of Hugh Davies.

Andy's Requiem is a wonderful composition and, knowing the background of its conception (Andrew Worton-Steward was dying from AIDS when he composed this work and never actually heard it performed), all the performers provided a most moving interpretation. This was obviously a challenging programme and the many hours of hard work by the choir were well rewarded. Members of the choir, John Cox and Sylvia Anderson, gave delightful cameo solo sections in Andy's Requiem.

The Mass in D by Hummel was unusual in that there were no soloists but this gave the choir the opportunity to shine, particularly in the Benedictus.

The success of the evening was due to a great degree to the fresh vitality of the young professionals involved, namely the exquisitely fine virtuoso playing of Victoria Parkins in the Richard Strauss Oboe Concerto, the superbly controlled and emotional singing of Rachel Little, and skilful and sympathetic organ playing of Ian Pattinson.

The young talented orchestra led by Amyn Merchant always played with competence and precision. All in all an evening's music to remember.

Margaret Pattinson and Anna Riding