Conventional wisdom says nothing in life is guaranteed, but the annual Bermuda Heritage Concerts conducted by Mrs. Marjorie Pettit are among the bright exceptions.

Over the years she has unfailingly delivered quality programmes performed to a very high standard by selected musicians and singers.

Indeed, there can be few, if any, who have ever left one of these concerts disappointed, and certainly not on May 17 and 18, when the very timbers of St. John's Church in Pembroke resonated to music so moving that it tore at the very soul.

Opening the two-part programme was the St. John's Youth Choir, whose 47 members range in age from seven to 18 years, are of various faiths, and drawn from all parts of the Island.

Beautifully trained and meticulously rehearsed by Mrs. Pettit, their presentation of a 17-item programme of sacred, secular and popular music, sung in several languages, was excellent.

Clear diction and fine phrasing not only indicated that the young voices understood each piece well, but also gave depth and maturity to their work.

They exuded confidence, were very professional, and an absolute delight. Small wonder, then, that their reward was a standing ovation.

From within the choir's ranks six soloists were featured: Vikki Colville, Francesca Dill, Eileen Walsh, Laura Fasulo, Kelsey Bacon, and Madison Mello, each of whom sang so well, and with such poise and assurance.

Particularly impressive for her age (seven) was Francesca Dill, whose clear, pure voice was enchanting.

Overall, the Youth Choir's performance was truly heartening, not least because it suggests that Bermuda's musical future is well assured.

In dedicating this concert to the memory Patricia Calnan, former The Royal Gazette and Mid-Ocean News journalist, author, and indefatigable supporter of the arts, the choice of Mozart's `Requiem' was particularly apt because it was one of her great favourites.

Taking up the entire second half of the programme, it is a work of glorious music and awesome beauty.

In addition to the stirring choral singing, the four soloists - soprano Luann Wainwright, mezzo-soprano Jane Farge, tenor Gary Burgess and bass Peter Nash - were an absolute joy.

Certainly, there could have been no finer tribute to Ms Calnan's memory than a performance which was magnificent in its execution, and an undoubted triumph for all concerned - as indicated by the standing ovation.

Bermuda has an amazing abundance of talent for its size, which is always so generously shared, but it is concerts such as this which remind us how blessed we are, and sponsors like the Bermuda Arts Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs which allow us to partake and be grateful.

Finally, kudos to designer Vicky Conyers and her team for the superb floral arrangements which so enhanced the setting, and also to the production team for its invaluable contributions to an unforgettable evening.