THE Holsworthy Festival Chorus and Orchestra, under the direction of David Robinson, has raised nearly £1,200 for the 25 Anniversary Appeal for North Devon Hospice (NDH) by performing J S Bach's 'Magnificat' and Francis Poulenc's 'Gloria' at its most recent May concert in Bodmin Street Methodist Church.

The choir, whose members come from all over North Devon and North Cornwall, had practised these two fine but very difficult choral works since early April and their efforts culminated in a marvellous performance enjoyed by all who attended.

The soloists were Louise Merrifield, soprano, Tom Carleston, counter tenor and trumpet, Les Baker, tenor and David Hadden, bass. Choir members, Sue Uglow and Jo Milner joined Louise Merrifield to sing the trio 'Suscepit Israel puerum suum' before the final rousing choruses of the 'Magnificat.'

Guests David Hadden and Les Baker then sang solos, also by Bach, and the mood for the twentieth century French music of the second half was set by a superb performance of Claude Debussy's flute solo 'Syrinx' by Ruth Corney.

Francis Poulenc's 'Gloria' was first performed in 1961. Its harmonies and rhythms are quite surprising for those used to a more traditional repertoire. Poulenc combines quite playful elements with some sublime serene passages for the soprano soloist whose voice floats over the accompanying choir which was delighted to get the chance to sing the lively opening movement 'Gloria' again at the end.

North Devon Hospice team fundraiser, Gerard Fawcitt, thanked the performers both for a wonderful musical evening and for choosing to support NDH.

There is more superb music to come in the form of a concert of Tallis Motets including the famous 40 part 'Spem in alium' to be performed at 5pm in Tavistock Parish Church on Saturday, June 6. Next year's Holsworthy Festival Chorus Concert including Brahms' 'Requiem' will take place on Saturday, May 15, 2010 and rehearsals will start on Thursday, April 1, 2010.