One of the pleasures of celebrating Bermuda's 400th anniversary is attending events which have been thoughtfully conceived, meticulously prepared, and beautifully presented all qualities which Bermuda's Ensemble Singers and the Copley Singers of Boston, Massachusetts happily met in their recent joint concert at Wesley Methodist Church.

Directed by Lloyd Matthew and Brian Jones respectively, the 47 voices, accompanied by visiting organist/pianist Geoffrey Wieting, got Heritage Month off to a stirring start.

Against the colourful backdrop of stained glass windows brilliantly backlit by the afternoon sun, and before a large and appreciative audience which included Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney, the combined choirs worked their way through a programme which acknowledged heritage, patriotism, and mutual friendship in fine style

Thus it was that works such as 'They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships', 'Homeland', spirituals, and an opportunity to join in the singing of the national anthems of Bermuda and the US, were included.

As befits a church setting, the programme opened with French organist/composer Louis Vierne's 'Kyrie and Gloria' from his 'Messe Solennelle' (Solemn Mass). So splendidly were the alternately powerful, prayerful, and majestic passages portrayed that the soul soared, along with the music, to the church's distinctive ceiling.

Director Mr. Jones described British composer and organist Herbert Sumsion's composition, 'They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships', as "a brilliant evocation" of the text of Psalm 107, and so it proved. Along with a sense of undulant seas, and a waxing and waning storm, came cognizance of the countless mariners who have crossed the waters for centuries, including British admiral Sir George Somers, without whom Bermuda would not be celebrating the 400th anniversary of its settlement today.

Patriotism stirs profound emotion in the human breast. Whether enshrined in words, music, or something else, it evokes feelings of pride in one's country and citizenship. How fitting, then, that this programme should embrace patriotism so generously, beginning with the heartfelt singing of the British and American national anthems by all present, while simultaneously acknowledging the long-standing friendship which exists between Bermuda and the United States.

Choral conductor/composer Dr. Randall Stroope's arrangement of Gustav Holst's 'Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity' from 'The Planets' suite continued the patriotic vein. Originally written as an instrumental work, the words which begin, 'I vow to thee, my country' were added later, with the revamped version now known to choral singers as 'Homeland'.

Beautifully rendered by the combined choirs, the words no doubt kindled memories for many in the audience who sang it on special occasions during their school days and beyond.

Works written specifically about the Island are inherently special to patriotic Bermudians, so the rare airings of the 'Bermuda Anthem' by Professor Geoffrey Tankard; 'Whom the Lord Hath Forgiven' composed by Alan MacMillan for the prisoners of Casemates Prison and 'A Festival Song: To All Bermuda', by Bermudian Gladys Tatem in commemoration of the Island's 350th anniversary in 1959, were well received although, unfortunately, the lyrics of Miss Tatem's composition were not always clear.

The emotive words and marching gait of the great American patriotic anthem, 'Battle Hymn of the Republic', never fail to inspire.

Julie Howe's best-known poem, which became the war song of the Union army during the US Civil war, and is sung to a tune attributed to John Steffe, was both a timely remembrance of all the courageous men and women, including Bermudians, who have gone to war, and also died "to make men free", and an affirmation of faith in the future, as expressed in the choruses, 'Glory, glory, hallelujah, our God goes marching on'. What a privilege it was, therefore, to be able to join the choirs in singing this moving piece.

Choral composer Randall Thompson's 'Alleluia', written in July 1940, was also influenced by war, this time in Europe, yet it is of different stripe: quiet, introspective, and somewhat sad, and with the title word endlessly repeated. Yet it was never tedious or unattractive, and as Mr. Jones said: "We all need a little more 'alleluia' in our lives."

British composer Sir Charles Hubert H. Parry's 'Blest Pair of Sirens' is a noble work of great beauty. In the hands of this meticulously trained choir, its strongly developed themes, energetic counterpoint, meticulous word-setting, and massive effects made compelling listening, particularly in the glorious final stages when the majestic crescendo of voices and organ accompaniment filled the church.

John Bertalot's attractive arrangement of the traditional Shaker tune, 'Lord of the Dance', then followed, before four spirituals, 'At the River', 'Great Day' (featuring visiting soloists Yulia Van Doren and Owen McIntosh), 'Deep River' (featuring soloists Ben Clarke and Mr. Jones yes, I guessed!) and 'Ride on King Jesus', brought the well-rounded programme to a touching close.

Many events lie ahead in celebration of Bermuda's 400th anniversary, and it will be interesting to see, at year's end, which remain the most memorable. Meanwhile, it is a safe bet that this outstanding concert will not be forgotten any time soon.