THERE were two magnificent Magnificats performed by the Launceston Choral Society’s during their November concert.

Conducted by musical director Jonathan Mann the society performed two contrasting settings of the Magnificat, one famous version by J S Bach and the other a modern setting by the great modern composer of church music John Rutter.

For the Bach version the choir was joined by regular soloists Dawn Felton (soprano), Gordon Pike (tenor), and Ian Hardy (bass). Unfortunately, having lost her voice at the last minute, choir member Margaret Parfitt was unable to sing her alto aria but did join Mr Pike in the duet and Ms Felton and fellow choir member, Julia Foster, in the trio.

David Crocker accompanied the choir on the organ, with additional support for the choir by rehearsal accompanist Liz Jones.

The piece contains some splendid and exciting choruses sung enthusiastically by the choir ending with a reprise of the opening melody in ‘Sicut erat in principio’ bringing the work to a resounding end.

In composing his setting of the traditional text of the Magnificat, Mr Rutter introduces some additional material, for example a setting of a lovely 15th century poem ‘Of a Rose’. He uses only a soprano soloist and Ms Felton soared ethereally over the accompanying choir in ‘Et Misericordia.’.

The appreciative, if small, audience donated nearly £300 to the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal in the retiring collection and the majority of them joined the choir for refreshments in the Sunday School Hall after the concert.

The society also announced that thanks to the hard work and skill of choir member Diane Smith they now have a website.

For details of the society’s traditional Christmas concert of carols and seasonal readings, which will take place in Central Methodist, Launceston, on Saturday, December 10, visit their new website www.launcestonchoralsociety.btck.co.uk