As part of the new Oxfringe Festival, two Oxford choirs came together at the Ashmolean Museum to take us on an exciting and diverse musical journey. First up was the Afropean Choir, a dynamic group of around two dozen singers, who performed a selection of songs from different African countries. This was Afropean's first public outing, but you would never have guessed it - under the energetic and inspirational leadership of conductor Anita Daulne, the singers demonstrated the kind of strong rapport you would expect from a group of many years' standing.

Their voices blended perfectly, intonation was impeccable throughout - even though they were singing unaccompanied - and they handled some of the difficult rhythms and sound effects with supreme confidence. But most of all, they performed with an infectious enthusiasm that was a joy to behold, and it was wonderful to see people from different cultures coming together for a shared musical experience. This was an impressive debut, and I hope to hear more of this group in the future.

In comparison, the Blackbird Leys Choir is now two years old, and it is encouraging to note how this 'scratch' choir has blossomed into a fully-fledged musical ensemble. But I have to admit to being slightly disappointed by this performance. Their programme of popular songs and Broadway hits - which they will be taking to the Sheldonian in two months' time - clearly has potential, but seemed under-rehearsed and hastily thrown together. There was none of the slickness and polish that the Afropean Choir demonstrated, and the voices did not always blend well. This was a far cry from their spine-tingling performance of O Fortuna from Carmina Burana at the Albert Hall two years ago. I hope they rediscover that winning formula in time for their Sheldonian concert in June.

For more information about the Afropean Choir, visit www.anitadaulne.com. For more information about the Blackbird Leys Choir, visit www.blackbirdleyschoir.com