The concert given by The International Choral Festival Chorus and Orchestra at The Holy Trinity Cathedral had the intimacy of both a private chapel, such as the prince?s for whom J.S. Bach wrote cantatas weekly, and then perhaps that of a slaves? prayer meeting place. The music offered was appropriately entirely about the Passion of Christ and His Resurrection.

Dr. Gary Burgess, Bermuda?s celebrated tenor got the evening off to a superb start singing two seldom heard Negro spirituals, ?Let?s Have A Union?, and ?Calvary?, both accompanied by a small string ensemble, under Dr. William Thomas?s direction.

These were followed by two more spirituals, sung superbly a cappella by the chorus made up of some visiting singers from Boston, associates of Dr. Thomas?s, and members of the Bermuda Philharmonic.

The first an arrangement of ?Were You There?, by H.T. Burleigh, famous for, among other things, opening the treasures of African American folk music to his friend Anton Dvorak; the second, sung with masterful dynamic and rhythmic control, ?Soon I Will Be Done With The Troubles of This World?. During the former there was a solo by soprano Joei Perry who is gifted with a superb voice which she uses with superb control.

Then there was a rather special presentation, of Vivaldi?s Concerto No. 11 in D Minor for two violins and cello; the music was special in itself. What made it of even more interest for many in the audience was the knowledge that two of the soloists were not only Bermudians, but actually former teacher and student; N. Christopher Darrell and Jay Butler.

Cellist Ndidi Menkiti, like Jay, a student at Harvard was the third soloist. They were accompanied by a string ensemble and Dr. Karol Sue Reddington on the harpsichord.

The concerto consisted of five short movements. The soloists all played with admirable enthusiasm and spirit, most especially Ms Nenkiti, under the subtle and meticulous baton of Dr. Thomas. It is admirable that these young soloists who cannot devote all of their time to performance preparation performed to such a high standard. No doubt the pride felt by parents and other kin in the audience added immensely to their enjoyment.

Last on the evening?s short programme was J.S. Bach?s Cantata BWV 4, ?Christ Lay in the Bonds of Death?.

With only a week to rehearse together, the choir showed some signs of under preparedness, although they did give a good account of themselves. The director chose double arias and duets which was a bit disappointing as there were able soloists, Ms Perry, for example, to carry it off.

Lamentably, one of the photographers intruded too closely on the orchestra?s space in search of a spectacular shot and provoked enough distraction to cause Dr. Thomas to stop the chorus, and start again. Nevertheless, the choir regained its composure, and by the final chorus, ?Here Is The True Easter Lamb?, was harmoniously back on track for a triumphant finale.

This was a very satisfying concert, appropriate for the season, of the right length and seriousness. It was good to see, among the excellent musicians who played, some Bermudian performers who were outstanding in their own right.

Ron Lightbourn