A LARGE audience responded enthusiastically to the concert given by the Dentdale Choir in St Andrew's Church. The choir opened the concert with a sensitive performance of the Cantique de Jean Racine by Faure conducted by Rita Corpe.

Next, Caroline Smith, a student at Casterton School, impressed everyone with the clarity and power of her voice as she sang two solo items by Mozart and Schubert.

Caroline was joined by Mel Gregg in the Letter Duet from the Marriage of Figaro.

Helen Beare, from Howgill delighted the audience with the rich tones of the cello in her performance of solos by Faure and Shostakovich.

The choir then sang seven movements of The Armed Man A Mass For Peace by Karl Jenkins, accompanied by Roger Bush (organ), Alan Steadman (percussion), and cellist Helen Beare.

This thrilling work was commissioned for the Millennium. The words and the music look back to the war-torn and destructive past and look forward with hope to a more peaceful future. The choir, conducted by Judith Bush, gave a moving performance, which will linger long in the memories of audience and singers alike. Sarah Woof