DARTMOUTH Park got off to a splendid start to the festive season with a concert by the North Camden Chorus at St Mary’s Brookfield on Saturday December 2.

The four soloists, Sarah Probert, Marie-Anne Hall, Alex Haigh and Chris Wright, shone in Haydn’s Maria Theresa Mass and were well complemented by the choir under the able baton of Ian Gibson.

This was followed by a delightful but little-known concerto for two trumpets by Francesco Manfredini, a baroque composer who helped to develop the forms of the sinfonia and concerto grosso.

The two trumpet soloists, Shane Brennan and Patrick Dodds, also added delicious flourishes to the popular carols with audience participation.

The choir gave a premier performance of a new carol, All the Angels by Philip Godfrey, who often stands in for accompanist Mark Denza.

The North Camden Chorus started nearly 45 years ago as an opportunity for parents and teachers of Parliament Hill and William Ellis schools to come together to sing major choral works.

They meet at William Ellis School on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join them.

The next rehearsal is on January 9. https://ncchorus.org.uk

SARAH DAWES