Under the capable direction of Ruth Powrie, the choir enthralled the near-capacity audience with everything from classical music to songs from the shows and popular standards.

Particular highlights were a smooth arrangement of Sting's 'Fields of Gold', Handel's 'Lascia Ch'io Pianga', 'La Mer' and the upbeat 'Rhythm of Life'. There was also a medley of familiar numbers from Showboat, ending with 'Ole Man River'.

Although the bass depth normally associated with this song was obviously missing, the pleasing mellow harmony was truly outstanding from a choir of solely female voices. Choir accompanist was Alice Menmuir.

Mrs Powrie highlighted the difficulty these days of finding suitable two and three-part harmony songs and she expressed her gratitude to two local musicians who have written arrangements especially for 'In Harmony'.

One is part-time piano teacher Helen McKinnon, who is marketing fund-raising manager with Perth & Kinross Association Voluntary Service. The other is Pam McCulloch, the daughter of Alice Menmuir.

Arbroath is fortunate in having a wealth of local singing talent, and three of the best were guests of the choir this year - tenor Douglas Cant and sopranos Eileen Craig and Maggie Findlay, with accompanist Winnie Sangster. Among their selections were Maggie's 'Something Wonderful' from The King and I, Eileen's 'Pie Jesu' from Faure's 'Requiem', and Handel's 'Where e'er you walk', beautifully sung by Douglas.

Towards the end of the evening, Maggie and Eileen gave an excellent rendition of 'The Flower Duet' from Delibes' opera 'Lakme', before joining Douglas for their final song, the tender and touching 'Soave sia il vento' ('May sweet breezes blow') from Mozart's opera 'Cosi fan tutte'.

Another highlight of the programme was Alice and Winnie's spirited piano duet 'Country Garden', by Percy Grainger, during which the keyboard was a blur of crossing hands as the ladies seemed to battle it out to hit their own notes. It was great fun and received a deserved ovation.

A comprehensive vote of thanks was given by choir treasurer Janie White. Nominated charities chosen to benefit from this year's concerts are Angus Special Needs Play Schemes, Angus Young Carers and Palliative Care, Arbroath Infirmary.

Choir members are: Mary Aronssen, Monica Barber, Corin Beattie, Cheryl Brown, Barbara Cargill, Susan Coull, Margaret Davidson, Pat Dempster, Ruth Dickson, Audrey Duncan, Rachael Duncan, Maureen Fairbairn, Jenny Gorman, Margaret Henderson, Ann Johnson, Kathleen Lawrence, Sheila Lyons, Sheila McIntosh, Joan MacGregor, Lesley Maguire, Lyla Martin, Rita Norrie, Karen Ritchie, Lily Robertson, Pamela Slater, Agnes Simpson, Lynne Smith, Janie White, Sandra Wilbourn and Janet Williamson.
J.F.