Warm and vital singing by the choir and an admirably chosen programme ensured that the Rotorua District Choir concert was full of enjoyment.
Jess Bradley made an impressive start as one of the choir's conductors, getting resounding results by giving the singers ample encouragement and attending to the details of the mostly devotional music.
The singers themselves were consistently responsive to her persuasive direction and it was pleasing that there was strength in all sections.
Handel's Zadok the Priest, which has become the traditional British coronation anthem, was a great opening and from the singers' commanding choral entry on there was fitting grandeur.
Crispness and well-judged rhythms in Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring made it a real pleasure.