Since the choir was inaugurated in 1924, it would seem that it is 85 this year. It has always sought to present a wide-ranging and challenging repertoire but the works of its "name" will inevitably feature prominently, for example the St John Passion in 2000 and the St Matthew Passion last Saturday in the cathedral.

The very sizeable audience had much to relish not least six soloists, the admirable Sinfonia Verdi as orchestral partners and the involvement of younger members of the cathedral's own choirs. The last of the these gave full voice to the long-breathed chorale tune which Bach so cleverly wove in and around the texture of the opening movement.

All the soloists brought distinction to the performance through both the colour of the individual voices and a full understanding of the work's demands. Robert Johnston as Evangelist and Jonathan Sells (who took the role of Christus at short notice) were critical in moving the familiar story on. Elizabeth Cragg and Catherine Denley excelled in their own demanding arias (For love my saviour and Have mercy on me, respectively) as well as their duet Behold my saviour now is taken. Jeremy Budd and Robert Gildon shone light on other aspects. Mention must be made of the orchestra's role in all this - they really were on top form under Kati Debretzni's leadership, and the added advantage of the 'period instruments' especially the different ranges and colours of the oboe was significant.

The Bach Choir has made great strides in the last two or three years. As it happens, on Saturday they did not show the 'variety' (eg. as bloodthirsty crowd, then Jesus' supporters) but there is a greater unanimity of tone and much else to praise. They are fortunate to have Andrew Lucas as conductor.

John Westcombe