Trowbridge Philharmonic Society goes from strength to strength. On May 9 they presented a programme which was the most technically demanding of all their recent performances. Under the direction of their dynamic conductor, Gareth Harris, they achieved a resounding success.

The two Bruckner motets Locus Iste and Christus Factus Est, which opened the concert, made us aware that the standard of the choir has improved yet again. Then, as part of this year’s Mendelssohn celebrations, we were treated to a glorious interpretation of Lauda Sion. The newfound strength of the choir carried well over the full orchestral texture.

The main work of the concert was Schubert’s Mass in A flat major, universally acknowledged as a challenging work for both choir and orchestra. The soloists, Mary Pope, Pamela Rudge, Ciaran O’Keeffe and Paul Fletcher, produced a nicely balanced quartet which was particularly pleasing when interacting with the choir in the Benedictus.

However, the highlight of the concert was, without doubt, the Gloria. The music of this section of the Mass is exciting and complex. It moves without break into the difficult fugue of the Cum Sancto Spiritu which had everybody, including the orchestra, on the edge of their seats. The ripple of spontaneous applause at the conclusion of this fugue demonstrated that the enjoyment of the choir was shared by everyone present.

It gives enormous pleasure to witness the joy that choral singing brings to the participants.

I am strongly tempted to join in their choral workshop on June 20, which I gather is open to all comers. On the evidence of this performance I am sure it will be great fun.

JFG