A STIMULATING mixture of fantasy and faith with sacred music from Faure and Poulenc sharing the concert with Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite.

Kirill Karabits’ direction brought a wonderful sense of that fantasy to the low Introduction and followed through with a magical account that picked out colours with beguiling intimacy; pianissimo’s were exemplary and when visceral impact and rhythmic vitality were required, the BSO responded with stunning precision.

Putting Poulenc’s Gloria next made an ideal transition to religious convictions. There is a wry sense of humour alongside the humility within its framework. The Bournemouth Symphony Chorus had been assiduously prepared by their chorus master Gavin Carr and Karabits’ direction brought all the required energy to its piquant harmonies. Sweet-toned soprano Sarah Fox supplied the reverential respite.

The limited palette of Faure’s Requiem allowed the sonorous unison of chorus and orchestra to breathe and bathe in the full sanctity of belief in eternal rest.

A fine baritone voice from Stephan Loges in the Offertory and Libera Me and a beautiful Pie Jesu from Sarah Fox lent this performance great refinement. The angelic eloquence of the BSC’s In Paradisum attained a matchless symmetry.

The concert was supported by the Borough of Poole.