The accompanying ensemble of violinist Norma Smith, flautist Bryan Liem, clarinettist Frances Morgan, saxophonist Anton Wuts and percussionist Emily Selfe, with pianist Anna Hansen, made a vital contribution with their sparkling rhythmic emphasis and lively solo lines.
The first part of the programme was the ideal lead in to the Hamilton work.
Hastings Choral's stylish De Animals A-Comin, the gentle contrast of Feed the Birds, the poignant sound of Something Told the Wild Geese and the arrangement of Saint-Saens the Swan, often notable for the antiphonal singing of the men's and women's parts, were all presented with great confidence, underpinned by the excellent piano accompaniments from Anna Hansen.
The Hereworth School Chapel Choir, directed by Joanne Stephens with the lively accompaniment from pianist Elizabeth Curtis, certainly impressed with their excellent diction and movement in the nonsense song Tod, and Roald Dahl's The Crocodile, and the Iona College Choir, directed by Georgina Cole, gave confident performances which showed the novel character of A Windmill in Old Amsterdam and the humour of Flander's and Swann's The Hippopotamus.
Sopranos Eileen von Dadelszen and Diane Abraham, accompanied by pianist Margaret Cooper, certainly showed what the animals could sound like in the Duet for Two Cats.
Joe Christensen directed throughout with great aplomb, ensuring that performers and listeners alike experienced the fun and enjoyment to be found in music.
