An off-manor concert from Crouch End Festival Chorus took us to the impressive Arts and Crafts masterpiece that is Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Square.

The vision of the five rows of singers against the extraordinary backdrop of the glorious Edward Burne-Jones stained-glass window is a memory that will linger.

The evening’s diverse, a capella programme was a full one.

From the opening piece (Joseph Rheninberger’s Abendlied) the music soared to the high, vaulted stone ceiling – the acoustic was marvellous.

Florence Price’s rich and spiritual Resignation followed – a rather sad, reflective and simple affirmation of faith.

The evening’s first bonus work came with Gabrieli’s Jubilate Deo: bubbly, joyous, uplifting. Then, what has become one of the most performed works in the sacred canon: Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere.

Much thought had gone into how to present this to best effect: a group of male voices detached themselves from the main body and marched towards the porch to sing the plainchant responses while the soprano high c was provided from the choir on the altar. 

The effect of the placements and the soaring, ethereal, invisible contributors was magical and left some in the audience dewy eyed.

Just before the interval, more manoeuvres; this time to disperse into eight mini-choirs, arranged in a semi-circle that enclosed the front rows of seating.

Tallis’ Spem in Alium is not a long piece but time seemed to stand still as the ancient motet, starting with choir one (and gently propelled by conductor David Temple), floated back and forth from choir to choir. 

The main item after the interval was Vaughan Williams’ 1922 Mass in G minor.

The Chorus delivered it with sensitivity, intense concentration, and beautiful singing. Individual members were given soaring solo parts (including the opening Gloria) which they each handled with confidence and relish.

Temple rounded the evening off with an extra motet – Victoria’s passionate, energetic O Quam Gloriosum.

Basking in the afterglow of a brilliant concert, David suggested that Holy Trinity might see more visits by CEFC: with its stunning surroundings and incredible acoustic, few in the audience would object.