The Come and Sing the Messiah charity concert - in aid of York's St Leonard's Hospice - was both a real joy and a big success.

Much credit for this must be laid at the feet of conductor John Bryan, who worked his proverbial socks off keeping all the forces together, especially in his encouraging but firm direction of the choir. The People's Choir - a collection of seasoned veterans and enthusiastic first-timers - did themselves and the occasion proud.

Not that they were given an easy ride. Some of Mr Bryan's tempos were quite brisk, and spitting out those exposed semi-quaver passages in, for example, He Shall Purify takes a little courage as well as ability.

The York Chamber Orchestra, from the beautiful opening overture to the closing Amen, was excellent, performing with a real sense of authenticity, and projecting the music with impeccable clarity.

The soloists were very good indeed, and I particularly enjoyed the singing of tenor Charles Daniels, whose every contribution was a delight.

Penny Vickers had a rich alto voice, and her performance of the gorgeous aria, He Shall Feed His Flock, had to be one of the concert highlights.

Bass Chris Gulley, a last-minute replacement for Thomas Guthrie, acquitted himself well with a committed and gutsy performance, whilst Lynne Dawson was simply brilliant, delivering a performance full of insight, drama and sensitivity.

Finally, it was a touching thought that this great work of such optimism and humanity had been simultaneously performed in over forty countries in aid of equivalent hospice charities.