Christmas music comes in many forms, and the message it conveys ranges from the sacred to the silly, but in classical form it is arguably at its most meaningful and glorious – as the Bermuda Chamber Choir, accompanied by the Bermuda String Consort and Friends, proved so handsomely in its recent concert at St. John's church.

Aptly entitled, 'Praise Ye Heavens and Exult the Earth', the perfectly-chosen programme did exactly that. Buxtehude's lovely 'In Dulci Jubilo', based on the eponymous hymn tune and appropriately performed during the 200th anniversary of his death, instantly transported the listener to a plain where the true meaning of Christmas endures.

Reinforcing that message were the two magnificent works which followed: Saint-Saens' 'Oratorio de Noel' (Christmas Oratorio), and the so-called 'Christmas' portion of Handel's 'Messiah'.

From the opening prelude of the former to the glorious 'Hallelujah' chorus of the latter, this was a journey in which the spirit soared and the soul rejoiced. It never ceases to amaze me how many generous and talented people there are on this tiny Island who willingly give up large chunks of their busy lives to bring such pleasure to others ¿ just once and for only a few hours.

But how superbly their hard work and dedication paid off. Led by director Ryan Ellis of the Bermuda School of Music, the choir, orchestra and guest soloists conveyed the magnificence and enduring beauty of both oratorios with such obvious joy and conviction that the standing ovation was the least we could do to say 'Thank You'.

The artistry of the soloists (Gillian Henderson, Ruth Stovell, Carolin Ohlsson, Peter Nash and the impressive visiting tenor Iain Macpherson) added richly to the overall performance, and Mr. Ellis is to be congratulated on returning what can only be described as an unforgettable evening of Christmas music behind which lay what I believe was approximately one month of rehearsals. Bravo!