PLYMOUTH Philharmonic Choir has performed Rutter's Magnificat, and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana before, though not on the same programme.

But it was the very attraction of these two opposites that made for such a tremendous concert when featuring both together.

The choir gave their all, even though neither work is an easy option. Never short on volume, the singers were simply superb, despite competing against a large orchestra with its augmented percussion section. The men are still somewhat under strength, but nevertheless did a sterling job throughout.

Soprano Catherine Hamilton was most impressive, not only with her lovely, well-produced tone, but also her real coloratura ability to soar so effortlessly above top C. Nicholas Merryweather (baritone) brought his fine voice to the part, and his operatic delivery in the Orff proved exactly right. Tenor, Richard Rowntree, had a far smaller contribution, but all three soloists greatly benefited from being placed centrally, in terms of balance and communication.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the assured direction of Christopher Fletcher, who managed his singers and equally fine orchestra, led by Malcolm Latchem, so successfully.

But particularly in such a flamboyant work as Carmina Burana, if only there had been some matching colour to relieve the otherwise sombre all-black attire of sopranos and altos, then the illusion would have been created to sheer perfection.