This concert revelled in the glories of English classical music. As one audience member said to me ' This has been concert celebrating England and all that is best about it. The orchestra under the baton of Mark Elder showcased Elgar's works, with the majestic harmonies of the Halle Choir and with the mellifluous voice of mezzo Jane Irwin.

Elgar's choral ode 'The Music Makers' was the highlight of the evening. Set to a poem by Alfred O'Shaunessy, Elgar elevated the rather trite verses into a masterwork.. Although it is rather more a contralto piece than for a mezzo, Irwin's voice was equal to the mighty task of soaring above the full choir and orchestra. The richness of tone in both her high and low register was outstanding. Her voice seems natural and unforced. She also looked radiantly lovely in her red velvet dress. The massive Halle choir was on top form but perhaps slightly over egged in the soprano section.

With its easily spotted inclusions from the Enigma variations this piece is immediately accessible and the melodies are so beautiful and very haunting.

Five of Elgar's orchestral pieces were performed in the first half; his Overture Froissart, Sospiri (Sighs), Dream children 1 and 2, the Prelude to the Kingdom and Elgar's orchestration of Bach's Fantasia and Fugue in C minor. There was something in this programming for everyone and particularly all Elgar fans.

I enjoyed it tremendously and hopefully it will not be 20 years before the Music Makers is performed again by the Halle. It was exceptional to see a big Victorian sized orchestra all performing their hearts out in rousing good humour. Watch out for this concert being repeated.