The Phoenix Singers presented the first of a series of concerts featuring the music of John Rutter at St Andrews Church, Wiveliscombe, last Saturday.

The Singers, under the conductor Andrew Maddocks, were always in command of the challenges their programme presented, a mixture of John Rutter's music and early 20th Century Anglican Church music from the likes of Stanford, Parry, Bainton and Charles Wood.

Together with Rutter (Toccata in Seven) and Stanford organ solos the result was a programme that had shape, cohesion and variety and was much suited to the fine acoustics of this singing-friendly building.

The programme gave a glimpse of Rutter's ability to provide music that always respects what is natural for singers, whether simple part-lines as in What sweeter music or the decidedly more challenging Cantate Domino and Veni Sancte Spiritus.

The Phoenix singing was always secure, in tune and showed an ability to use dynamics to stunning effect. The choir also produced some fine sensitive phrasing from good clear diction.

This was committed and very nusical singing from beginning to end with Rutter's Musica Dei Donum as an imaginative curtain-raiser - (Margaret Hammel providing the magical solo flute) - to his O clap your hands as an energetic finale accompanied by David Bridges, the evening's excellent organ soloist and accompanist.

  VGC