For their customary Easter offering, the Burford Singers turned this year to Bach's St John Passion, imbuing this intensely dramatic work with a real sense of purpose and commitment. Brian Kay's inspired conducting ensured a thrilling and heartfelt performance, in which the contrasts in mood and dynamics were meticulously observed.

Particularly impressive, perhaps, was the way the chorus defined their different characters, from vociferous mob to sorrowful commentators on the scourging and death of Christ. Their chorales were delivered in appropriately reverential manner, and the penultimate chorus, the beautiful Lie still, O sacred limbs, was sublimely tender and lyrical. I could have listened to that one chorus all night. Tonal quality and diction were well observed throughout, and there were some lovely soaring moments from the sopranos.

Andrew Kennedy did sterling work as the Evangelist, delivering his narrative with a real sense of drama that vividly captured the agonies of Christ's last moments at Golgotha. There were a few worrying moments when his top notes sounded decidedly shaky, but otherwise this was a stirring performance. Equally stirring was the Christus of Benedict Nelson, a post-graduate student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, who sang with a confidence and authority that belied his relative lack of experience.

Among the other soloists, I particularly enjoyed the exquisite soprano voice of Bibi Heal, whose rendition of I follow, I follow in gladness to meet thee was a real joy, enhanced by the gorgeous flute accompaniment from Christopher Britton and Marion Ackrill. But there were also strong contributions from alto Catherine Griffiths, tenor Daniel Auchincloss and bass Adam Green, all singing with resonance, warmth and fervour.

The highly accomplished Cotswold Chamber Orchestra provided sensitive accompaniment, with a particularly impressive harpsichord continuo from Nicholas Cleobury. This was a vibrant, eloquent and memorable performance, which at the end was greeted by a respectful silence from the audience before an outpouring of appreciative applause.