“… The concert drew on repertoire explored by this now well-established choir during the first twenty years of its life. It was a nicely balanced programme which, like a well-stuffed Christmas stocking (if it’s not too early for such analogies) just kept yielding its delights…

“Although Ex Cathedra has been around for a long time, the choir’s commitment to encouraging new talent means it is always being infused with fresh young voices. The list of singers for the concert indicated at least eleven musicians in receipt of scholarships. The mix of younger and more experience voices resulted in a tone that was both bright and full-bodied. Blending within each section was quite flawless. And balance within the choir as a whole, excellent.

“This enabled the conductor to shape the music with tremendous attention to detail, and all of the detail came across. Nothing was lost. This was particularly noticeable during John Joubert’s Three Portraits. These are densely composed, harmonically rich and imaginative pieces. The choir sang them with a degree of commitment and concentration that was utterly engrossing.

“Choosing other highlights is difficult. All of the items on offer added something special and all were delivered with love and care.”

Read the full 5* review at www.reviewsgate.com