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The choir during the performance. A previously unpublished image.

From a review by J.T:
The Municipal Choir and Orchestra made an interesting departure from then normal run of programmes when they gave a performance of Gabriel Faure's "Requiem" and Bach's "Sleepers Wake," at Barden Secondary School on Sunday, 7th November 1971. This was the first concert in the current session for the choir and it was a most impressive performance given under the direction of Mr Robert Atherton.

A requiem is essentially liturgical in content and does not lend itself easily to a setting outside a church. The words and music were, however, treated with reverence and a polished and dignified rendering was achieved. The use of an electronic organ to supplement the orchestra added to the expressive resources available. "Sleepers Wake" is one of the many cantatas written by J. S. Bach. The orchestra contributed with skilful accompaniments throughout this work. Mr Kenneth Healey was the organist and accompanied on the piano and Mr Drechster led the orchestra.