Ably supported by Derek Barnes at the organ, this 35 strong choir sang a varied programme of Haydn, Pergolesi, Faure, Stanford, Vaughan Williams and Rachmaninov, all to a high standard. Unusually the choir has two conductors, Arthur Robson and Christopher Larley and the singers responded with good vocal control, a wide range of dynamics and some sensitive unaccompanied singing especially in the Stanford part songs. Of particular note was 'The Bluebird' in which Sophie Pentecost sang a stunning soprano solo over a hushed 4 part vocal accompaniment – magical!

Other highlights included: some effective unison soprano singing in Haydn's Little Organ Mass; a rich, accurate bass solo from Stuart Cradduck in Vaughan Williams' Folk Song 'The Turtle Dove'; and real attack and verve in Haydn's Insanae et Vanae Curae. The choir was, indeed, well served by all the soloists, drawn from its own members, and a good balance between the choir and solo group was achieved in Pergolesi's Magnificat. The balance was, though, more difficult to overcome in Rachmaninov's Ave Maria - more men are always needed, as is the case in most choirs in England! Another Ave Maria, this time by Charles Mathews, a former graduate of the University of Chichester, and Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine completed a most enjoyable evening, which added considerably to the Chorale's growing reputation.

The Chorale begins rehearsing again on 22nd September at the University of Chichester. The choir will be contributing to a fundraising evening for St Wilfred's Hospice on 4th October, singing evensong in Salisbury Cathedral on 24th October, and then preparing for its Christmas Concert on the 22nd December. Competent sight-readers with an interest in singing at a moderate to advanced level should contact the choir's administrator, Polly Robson on 01243 823481 or by e mail on pollyrobson2003@yahoo.co.uk.

David Russell