Under the baton of Simon Gray, the English Festival Opera Orchestra joined forces with the combined Music 2000 Chorus and the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus to provide a delightful evening of favourite pieces and arias.

Added pleasure came from distinguished soloists. Hyacinth Nicholls made a superb Carmen singing Habanera and Gypsy Song, while Karen Orchin captured many a heart with her solos.

Ukrainian Andrey Ganchuck powerfully sung an aria from Don Pasquale and did devilishly well with one from Faust. Also powerful in delivery were the contributions from Jacquelyn Fugelle, notably Vissi d’Arte from Tosca. Tosca also provided an aria for Gavin Sayers who later excelled in The Flower Song from Carmen. Orchin and Nicholls returned with an exquisite Flower Duet.

There were resounding cheers for 18-year-old Calum Jones who stepped out of the chorus to sing O Sole Mio.

The audience were called upon to play their part, joining the chorus as wood spirits and Hebrew slaves, as well lifting the roof during Rule Britannia and Pomp And Circumstance – a fitting finale to an evening that lived up to the word Spectacular.

The reception given to Simon Gray for organising the concert brought tears to his eyes.