DEDICATED to the late John Cole, King’s College’s concert brought together musical forces closely associated with that giant of music-making in Taunton.

As Partners in Performance, Taunton Choral Society, the Amici chamber choir and OrchestraWest joined for Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius – an oratorio of operatic dimensions.

Under inspired conductor Stephen Bell, the combined forces and soloists gave an utterly convincing performance worthy of the highest professional standards established by Dr Cole over many years.

The soloists all had an association with Dr Cole, which cemented the sense of coming together as musical friends and colleagues.

The occasion was the first time Rupert Charlesworth had sung Gerontius, and as his voice matures and develops he will surely become a great one – something John Cole recognised several years ago.

Bass-baritone Alan Fairs gave an authoritative account of ‘Proficisere anima Christiana’, and his Angel of The Agony solo was a rendition of heartfelt pathos.

Mezzo-soprano Alison Kettlewell sang the vocally challenging part of The Angel with aplomb, and she is now a singer with true Wagnerian credentials.

Vocal honours have to go the Taunton Choral Society and Amici – both were on top form, the latter singing the exposed writing of the Semi-Chorus parts.

Again, the classical music community of Taunton has demonstrated what artistic heights can be achieved with very little.

Gerontius had a dream, as did John Cole.

WAYNE BENNETT