St John Passion, Salisbury Cathedral

EACH year, the evening before Palm Sunday, Salisbury Musical Society and the Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra, together with a group of distinguished soloists, under their conductor David Halls, give a performance in the cathedral, which never fails to move and inspire.

This year the musical society performed Bach's St John Passion', following the gospel story from Christ's betrayal in the garden of Gethsemane through to his agony and death.

With the Evangelist (Richard Edgar-Wilson) taking the part of Narrator, the choir of 120 strong voices is able not merely to comment on the action but to take on a dramatic role, responding to Pilate's questions as a manipulated mob, in a way that has resonance for today. When they shout Not this man, but Barrabas' and Crucify', it makes you wonder if, had you been there, you would have had the courage to go against the crowd.

As the dramatic tension builds to its inevitable climax, with the reasoned voice of Jesus (Jeremy White) stirring emotions and Pilate and the other characters (David Stout, Olivia Robinson, William Edwards and Louise Mott) adding their contributions, new insights are gained from a well-known story. Add to that the extra clarity and colour the music brings to the narrative.

This was a magnificent collaboration from David Halls and his superb musicians, its popularity filling even the side aisles to capacity.

By Anne Hill