Several unusual features cut away from the solemn and serious performances usually expected from a choir of this stature and tradition.

Firstly, throwing a thematic robe of Shakespeare over the whole concert, the performance is as much about the spoken word as the musical settings.

Accordingly, music director Joe Tobin interposed the sung portions with individual members of the choir each presenting a recitation of some of the better-known sonnets.

This gives a pleasing chance for choristers, normally self-effacing, to shine out and make their own special contribution. In particular I’d like to mention Gayle Ashby’s sonnet 54 Oh how much more doth beauty beauteous seem, as with each contributor added some special quality to the whole.

A second surprise was the composer of all but one of the songs in the first half. This was none other than George Shearing. Anyone familiar with Shearing’s more jazzy arrangements wouldn’t have at first recognised the hymn-like quality of these settings.

We marked the end of the first half with a much desired interval drink, served by a former bass singer, Robert Seath, festively dressed for the occasion.

The second half began with some much more challenging interpretations, needing the choir’s special skills of balance to impart a sense of mystery and depth to Vaughan Williams’s Full Fathom Five, Cloud Capped Towers and Over Hill, Over Dale

The third unusual feature was three songs from Thomas Quilter Three and Five Shakespeare Songs, performed solo by the director himself. Joe Tobin’s refreshing and expressive voice, straight off the podium with virtually no warm up, was a delight. That done, we were straight back into action with Bernstein and Sondheim’s West Side Story.

Chief credit for this section of the programme must go to Newbury Choral’s accompanist Steve Bowey, who set the evening alight again with some superb arrangements, transforming the St Nic’s piano into a virtual whole orchestra. His skill was tremendous, the applause tumultuous.

One sad note; this is to be Joe Tobin’s final time with the society. He is to be replaced in September by another bright light, the young but highly experienced conductor Tom Edney. We wish them both the greatest success.

Joe will be a hard act to follow.