St John’s Church Epping provided the perfect backdrop for the first Harlow Chorus concert under its new Musical Director, Daniel Hyde. In this programme of sacred music the chorus sang confidently in English, Latin, Czech and Hebrew and excelled throughout.

Elgar’s Spirit of the Lord provided a restrained yet inspirational introduction to the evening. Kodaly’s Missa Brevis gave organist, James Sherlock, the opportunity to announce his presence through the powerful opening, and no less emphatic final, chords. The work reflects Kodaly’s lifelong love of Hungarian folk music and the chorus nimbly negotiated its many surprises and quick turns of mood.

Soprano Ruth Jenkins joined the Chorus for Janacek’s setting of the Lord’s Prayer, his Otcenas. With glorious clarity of voice and sensitive harp accompaniment from Tanya Houghton this was an absorbing and uplifting piece. Each short section, devoted to a single line of prayer, full of contrast and variety.

The accomplished playing of James Sherlock reverberated again around St John’s with the powerful organ solo from Janacek’s Glagolitic Mass and finally, with drum and cymbal crash, Bernstein’s joyful Chichester Psalms began. With organ accompaniment and lively percussion from Belinda Sherlock, the chorus carried the fascinating and ever changing rhythms of Bernstein’s work. The confident voice of treble soloist Niall Jackson rang clear and true, and for all its drama the piece moved eloquently towards its quiet and contemplative conclusion.

The evening was challenging and rewarding in equal measure but always accessible. This was a great debut for Hyde and proof that the chorus will continue to surprise, move and entertain.

Laurence Sach