Oldham Choral Society delight audience at packed out St Paul’s Church in Royton

Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria is one of the most joyful and popular works of the Italian Baroque and John Rutter’s Gloria is a lively contemporary work with lots of exciting Latin and jazz rhythms.

The choir was joined by two young talented singers, Soprano Rachel Abbott and Contralto Ailsa Mainwaring, who took part in both Glorias and sang a few pieces that were in keeping with the concert's theme.

As we emerge from the pandemic the theme of the Glorias reflected the choir’s joy of coming together to make music.

Vivaldi’s work was first performed more than 300 years ago and it is nearly 50 years since John Rutter was inspired to write his but the thrill of both works is undiminished.

The "Laudamus te" and "Domine Deus" were beautifully sung by the two soloists.

PERFORMANCE: The concert at St Paul's Church in Royton (Picture: William Hardiker)

Towards the end, the choir raised the intensity with "Quoniam tu solus Sanctus" and the soloists rejoined the choir in the rousing finale of "Cum Sancto Spiritu".

This was followed by the Contralto in "Vergnugte Ruh" (contented peace, delight of the soul) by J.S. Bach, and the Soprano in Handel’s Rejoice greatly from "The Messiah".

Two members of the bass section of the choir who have recently died were also remembered during the concert.

A duet allowed the choir and audience to remember them while listening to a beautiful rendition of a short selection from "The Messiah", including "He shall feed his flock" and "Come unto him".

John Smith was the organist and his accompaniment to the soloists was appreciated and applauded by them.

The organ played a particularly important part in the drama of the Gloria by John Rutter.

The orchestral version has loud trumpet sections similar to some of William Walton’s works.

It was a demanding choice with its tango and jazz rhythms, but the choir performed it with vigour in the first movement and a touching gentleness in the Andante ( a moderately slow musical tempo), and executed the jubilant final movement ending with "Cum Sancto Spiritu" and a fast Amen.

PERFORMANCE: The concert at St Paul's Church in Royton (Picture: William Hardiker)

Oldham Choral Society has been fortunate to have Nigel Wilkinson as its musical director and conductor and he returns for his 23rd year.

The choir is in a strong position going forward after the Pandemic.

Fred Jones, the president and long serving member as chairman of the choir, said: "I am really proud of the way the choir members have come back in force to rehearsals, and worked so hard to put on tonight’s concert.

"I’m sure they will retain their place as one of the region’s finest choirs."

The choir is now looking forward to its family Christmas concert with Ashton Band on Friday, December 17 at 7.30pm at Oldham Parish Church on Rock Street.