It has been a momentous year for Eynsham Choral Society. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in April, and last Saturday they bade an emotional farewell to long-serving conductor Alison Wilson. Chairman Janet Gray, in her thank-you speech, noted, among other things, how much Alison had improved the quality of the choir since taking up the baton just over 20 years ago. This concert amply demonstrated that quality, from a passionate and thrilling performance of Dido and Aeneas, to joyful renditions of Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols.

It can be difficult to capture the drama of Dido and Aeneas in a concert performance, but here the soloists and chorus managed to do just that. Jeanette Agar’s operatic experience was evident in her masterful and expressive performance as Dido, and she captured the character’s inconsolable anguish at the end with particular vividness. Sonia Stockel’s clear, light soprano was ideal for Belinda, while Hugh Wilson cut a dashing figure as a finely-sung Aeneas. Patricia Corry’s Sorceress was occasionally a little harsh in tone, but she and the First and Second Witches — strongly sung by choir members Ruth Allington and Janet Gray — were splendidly malevolent.

The choir offered solid support, reflecting the varying moods with great clarity; as witches, they cackled with unbridled glee, but sang With drooping wings with haunting beauty. It was the Eynsham Morris Men, though, who nearly stole the show with their unique take on the sailors’ dance, and earned themselves a special round of applause.

Anything that followed might have seemed an anti-climax, but Vivaldi’s Magnificat was both moving and compelling, while Vaughan Williams’s wonderful Fantasia on Christmas Carols was an irresistible tribute to the festive season, with some hearty singing from the choir and strong solo contributions from tenor Hugh Wilson. Finally, it was our turn, and a full audience rendition of God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen brought the evening to a rousing finish.