Although less than two years old, the choir has already given 10 successful concerts featuring music from around the world.

On Sunday evening they consolidated this success and their increasing reputation by performing a versatile programme including Vivaldi's Gloria, Corelli's Christmas Concerto and Handel's Dixit Dominus.

This was the Chorale's first performance in West Road Concert Hall and they were accompanied by the Nemano Orchestra of London - a select professional ensemble carefully blended to suit their musical requirements.

The programme started with a beautiful yet seemingly effortless rendition of Bach's Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring.

From the outset it was evident that Musical Director Michael Kibblewhite was not going to deliver the traditional and familiar interpretations of the well-known pieces. His approach to the music involved a comprehensive rethinking in which faster tempos were not the only elements to surprise and stimulate.

The Christmas Concerto was the perfect vehicle to display the Nemano Orchestra's technical and interpretive qualities. The appealing charm of this, Corelli's most popular concerto, was winningly captured by the precision of the ensemble playing.

Vivaldi's Gloria was suitably triumphant. In such a demanding piece, balance, tuning and order are everything and the choir and orchestra responded with immaculate singning and playing. Unreserved praise must go to the aims of using members of the chorus as soloists - this alone serves to reemphasise the high standard of the choir.

The final piece was a revelation. Handel's Dixit Dominus was completed in 1707 but not rediscovered until the middle of this century. A piece of infectious vitalityit contains some truly startling sections such as the percussive effect of the word-painting in No. 6.

Kibblewhite took performers and audience on a rollercoaster ride that was genuinely thrilling.

Altogether an extremely enjoyable evening and the addition of three short German songs was a welcome contrast to the larger works.

I look forward to hearing the Chorale's next concert in Queen's College Chapel on February 4th, and again at West Road on April 28th.

Cambridge Evening News, 29 November 1995