‘Amateur’ and ‘opera’ are words which, in juxtaposition, usually make me run a mile. But the Oxford Singers’ performance of Britten’s Albert Herring last week had very little which was ‘amateur’ about it. This was a highly entertaining production, with some excellent singing supported by a very capable band of musicians under the direction of David Crown. Set against the backdrop of small-town Suffolk conservatism, the opera tells the story of a mother’s boy who finally comes of age. Britten never seems quite sure whether he wants to ridicule the characters or invite empathy with them. Satire and comedy sit strangely alongside passages of intense seriousness. It’s not an entirely happy marriage.

The music is superb, though, and the quality of the singing and playing by these young musicians more than made up for the weakness of the plot. Anna Aspasia Sideris was superb as the domineering Lady Billows. She lurched around on crutches which I assumed to be a prop until my companion pointed out that she had a leg in plaster. Whatever their purpose, the crutches fitted the character perfectly and her singing would have graced any professional production.

Will Dawes sang well as the sanctimonious Rev Gedge, and George Coltart was a wonderfully earthy Sid. Katherine Cooper was a sympathetic Nancy, and William Blake put in a commendable performance as Albert.

The semi-staged production made clever use of the limited space available, focusing attention on the music which was all to the good. Director Rory Pelsue showed sound judgement in making use of minimal props with appropriate, well chosen costumes to delineate the characters. The orchestra played with feeling, witty, grotesque and lyrical as the score required, while David Crown, Director of Music at Somerville, did an excellent job with the baton.

Overall this was a thoroughly commendable performance by an impressively talented group of young singers and musicians. Bravo! More, more!