Purcell’s adaptation of Virgil’s Aeneid is often studied in school, being many a child’s first experience of opera. As such, it seemed fitting that this was the choice for the BREMF family-friendly Community Choir’s latest performance.

Telling part of the epic mythological story of Trojan hero Aeneas’ founding of ancient Rome, this production at times sparkled in synch with its composer’s monumental baroque music.

The star of the show was professional Welsh soprano Catrin Woodruff, as Dido, the Queen of Carthage, troubled by the knowledge that her love for Prince Aeneas (Andrew Robinson) was doomed. From the lilting lightness preceding longing of the first act, to the tragedy of Dido’s despairing Lament, this flawless performance carried all the essential emotional heft.

Likewise, the amateur cast members shone sporadically throughout, with Liz Webb’s evil sorceress suitably erm, sorceress-y and Robinson’s bold tenor effective in its simplicity. A talented sextet of musicians scored the narrative evocatively with Jonathan Lilley’s subtle harpsichord a particular treat.

Being a community project, children from local schools partook with charming enthusiasm, although the occasional feeling of watching a school play did creep into proceedings. This sadly led to a slight air of amateurism to what was, for this reviewer, an otherwise accomplished, professional-quality show.

Three stars