The Eurovision Song Contest scored nul point on Saturday when it pitched itself against the superior competition of the Harlow Chorus. All Saints, Hockerill was packed for a celebration of two of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century, Ivor Novello and Irving Berlin.

The first half of the concert was devoted to the Welsh born Novello who dominated not only British song writing in the ‘30s and 40’s but also the London stage. Keep the Home Fires Burning, composed when Novello was only 21, set the tone for this heart-warming concert and provided the first of many opportunities for enthusiastic audience participation.

But it was as a writer of musical romances that Novello truly reigned supreme. His rich and lilting melodies for Waltz of My Heart and We’ll Gather Lilacs conjuring an age of theatrical elegance and escapism and Fly Home, Little Heart the touching sentiments of a far more innocent time.

The second half was Irving Berlin’s. American (via Belarus) he was one of the most prolific composers and songwriters of all time. And as Novello ruled the London stage so Berlin ruled the Hollywood musical. And what a treat was in store. The luxurious melodies and seductive rhythms of Let’s Face the Music, Puttin’ on the Ritz and Blue Skies. The romance of Cheek by Cheek and the foot tapping infectiousness of Stepping Out - all the chorus lacked were their dancing shoes to send them tapping down the aisles.

Jeremy Jackman provided the clear and informative narration as well as much appreciated solos, and under the spirited conducting of Sarah Tenant-Flowers and the equally fine accompaniment of Susan Graham Smith the chorus were at their best. The rapturous reception and joyous encore proved there really is no business like show business - truly a class act.

Laurence Sach