The annals of history are filled with the triumphs of good over evil, of democracy over demonic ideologies, and freedom over oppression, all of which have been cause for celebration.

How fitting, then, that the Bermuda School of Music should present a 'Choral-Orchestral Spectacular' in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Held at St. Theresa's Cathedral, the event not only lived up to its title but also was a triumph.

Directed by Ryan Ellis, the 80 singers and musicians, comprising members of the Bermuda Chamber Choir, the Bermuda Festival Orchestra, and guest artists, including the Woodwind Ensemble of the Duisburg Philharmonic from Germany, delivered a superbly inspiring performance.

This year also marks the 200th birthday of German composer Felix Mendelssohn. Because he was born into a Jewish family, and would likely have understood both oppression and the luxuries of freedom during his short life, the programme was devoted exclusively to his music.

As befitted the ecclesiastical setting, it included excerpts from his oratorios 'Elijah', and 'St. Paul', Op. 36; as well as 'Kommt, Lasst Uns Anbeten' from Psalm 96, Op. 46. To these were added the first movement of his renowned Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64; the evocative 'Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt' (Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage), Op. 27; and 'Symphony No. 2 (Lobgesang)' Op. 52 the latter two being a tribute to Bermuda's 400th anniversary.

Vocal soloists were Ruth Stovell, Mary-Claire Havas, Iain Macpherson, Gordon Campbell and Peter Nash, while David France was the soloist in the innovative Violin Concerto. Of these, visiting tenor Mr. Macpherson and violinist David France were particularly memorable.

Apart from the stirring beauty of Mendelssohn's music, it was the exceptionally high calibre of the performance itself which so impressed. Mr. Ellis is a passionate director whose dedication and drive for perfection always ensures a fine performance, but this one was exceptional.

The fact that the concert took place at all on this tiny, mid-Atlantic island was thanks not only to Imke Allers, a member of the Woodwind Ensemble, whose suggestion it was to mark the fall of the Berlin wall with a classical concert, but also to the fruitful collaboration between her brother, Jens Alers, Germany's honorary consul here, and Mr. Ellis; the blessing and financial support of the Federal Republic of Germany; the co-operation Bishop Kurtz and others at St. Theresa's Cathedral, and the many people who worked behind the scenes to make it happen.

From the pre-concert reception, which included a film of the fall of the Berlin Wall and a cameo performance by the Woodwind Ensemble, to the final note, no effort was spared in ensuring that the capacity audience left with indelible memories of a very special evening which not only celebrated freedom from oppression, and democracy, but also fulfilled Mr. Alers' stated goal of raising an impressive sum for the Bermuda School of Music's free educational programmes for children.