Kendal South Choir, St Thomas's Church, Kendal

CAN you ever get too much Mozart? Apparently not, judging by the choir's An Evening with Mozart performance before a fair-sized audience on such a wonderfully, warm, summer-like evening, writes CHRISTINE MOORE.

From the 'off' the choir gave a rousing and business-like start with the Dixit Dominus’ from the first work of the evening - Vesperae solennes de Confessore.

This work was ably supported by an exciting quartet in the persons of Katy Thomson, soprano, Sarah Jillian Cox, mezzo-soprano, Jacob Clark, tenor, and Charles Murray, bass. I have to say that although the quartet blended well, in one instance the soprano was quite overwhelmed by the powerful, but excellent, voice of the mezzo.

After the interval we were treated to an organ solo by the indefatigable Ian Pattinson.

He played the Epistle sonata No 15 in C major - an excellent interlude to the singing. Ian is always good value and played this sensitively, as part of a church mass dictated.

The choir and soloists were supported by a very fine orchestra; tuning and ensemble were always good, although the addition of a double bass would have given welcome foundational tone.

The final work of the evening was the Coronation Mass, a work in six movements with confident singing throughout. When in top gear, Kendal South Choir never fails to excite and the singing is always of a very high standard. This excellent evening of music shows that Kendal South Choir’s enviable reputation is secure under their inspiring and enthusiastic conductor, Don Gillthorpe, who directed his forces with clarity and precision.

Also, well done to assistant director Emma Richardson, who has coached the choir during the term. This showed in the accuracy and confidence of the singers. Emma received a well-deserved round of applause with the orchestra and soloists at the conclusion of the concert.