This choir has an enviable reputation for its range of singing, but a concert dedicated to opera was a new departure for them.

The choir, under the dynamic direction of Ruth Mckibbin, rose to this new challenge in ably performing works by Verdi, Mozart, Bizet, Borodin and Lehar. They were clearly at ease with the more familiar choruses from La Traviata and Il Travatore and were inspired when joined by guest soloist Lynsey Docherty.

It was Lynsey , a prodigiously talented lyric soprano who captivated a full and appreciative audience with her remarkable voice. She soared effortlessly over the chorus in Habanera from Carmen and throughout demonstrated a wonderful vocal range , depth of expression and ability to reach out and connect. Her heart-stopping rendition of Siempre Libre (La Traviata) was simply stunning in its intensity and passion.

Guest accompanist Lily Webster supported the choir's resident pianist (Adam Biggs) by playing the challenging Polovtsian Dances with incredible dexterity. Vilia , from The Merry Widow and Verdi's Sicilian Vesters provided the concluding works to an exciting evening of opera. This must have given the choir the confidence to take on more unfamiliar and challenging works.

The Silver Ring Choir's next concert will feature what for them will be another totally new style of singing. The choir will join with members of the well-established and internationally recognised Baka Beyond in a charity concert of music incorporating traditional African rhythms. This will be at the Kingswood School Theatre, Bath on Saturday October 16.

David Quine