In what is proving to be another fine King’s Lynn Festival summer season, the King’s Lynn Festival Chorus and European Union Chamber Orchestra’s concert is certainly one of the highlights so far.

Performing two great works together in the concert, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the first half, and Handel’s early choral masterpiece Dixit Dominus in the second, was inspired programme planning, in my view!

The full and enthusiastic audience filled St Nicholas’ Chapel, in Lynn, and enjoyed The Four Seasons performed by the EU Chamber Orchestra, directed by Adrian Butterfield from the violin.The playing was stylish, with appropriate decoration, and the contrasts in the music, reflecting the season changes and atmosphere well brought out.

Handel’s setting of Psalm 110, composed when Handel was just 22 in 1707, is a very early choral piece and was written to impress the musical establishment in Rome, where he stayed for three years. The work, a favourite of mine, is accomplished technically, thoroughly effective and very much in the prevalent popular Italian style.

Ben Horden conducted an appropriately robust performance of the work with dramatic contributions from the Chorus and some beautifully sensitive singing from soprano soloists, Jennifer Colman and Louise Fuller.

The EU Chamber Orchestra’s contribution to the performance was excellent, not so easy to achieve when a large Chorus is involved!

Yes, another Festival highlight, with distinguished, professional musicians performing and welcome involvement from talented local individuals and groups. The event was sponsored by Professor Keith, and Mrs Elizabeth Rix.

—Andy Tyler, Lynn News