The Bermuda Philharmonic Society and the CBA Chamber Singers from CedarBridge Academy, conducted with precision and passion by Granville Oldham, presented a thoroughly enjoyable concert on Sunday at the Wesley Methodist Church.

The concert comprised two pieces, Corelli's 'Concerto Grosso in G minor' (Christmas Concerto for Strings) and Vivaldi's 'Gloria in D'.

Both from the Baroque period, they complemented each other nicely and were warmly received by the audience, which responded with a standing ovation.

The Corelli Concerto, a beautiful composition beautifully played, opened the concert. Mr. Oldham, on the faculty of the School for the Performing Arts, extracted every ounce of feeling from the ensemble, which included Lloyd Matthew on harpsichord.

The rich timbre of the string orchestra, led by Jennifer Sheridan of the Bermuda School of Music, transported the audience across the ages to a time when Italian shepherds journeyed to a nearby town to play their pipes in front of nativity scenes on Christmas Eve.

The Gloria is a joyful hymn of praise and worship. Its opening phrases have their origins in the song, recorded in St. Luke's account of Christ's birth, that the angels sang to the shepherds.

The work is divided into 12 relatively brief movements contrasting in mood, musical texture, and instrumental and vocal colour, a challenge the CBA Chamber Singers met competently.

The choir performed with obvious enjoyment, the sections nicely balanced, the phrasing thoughtful.

The tenors and basses added a depth and richness, particularly to the forth and fifth movements, "Gratias agimus tibi" (We give thanks to thee).

Soloists Helena Barvelli-Astwood (soprano) and Shantina Cumberbatch, (mezzo-soprano) sang a little breathlessly, though sweetly, and with maturity and experience will undoubtedly develop confidence and strength.

An unfortunate aural overlap with the Santa Claus parade during the last two movements was met with humour, and such was the strength of the choir, that the intrusion was discernable only between movements.

The final movement, 'Cum Sancto Spiritu in Gloria Dei Patris' (With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father) brought the concert to a triumphant end.

Though relatively new to Bermuda's musical scene, the CBA Chamber Singers have a promising future, and I look forward to further opportunities to hear them perform.