Drawing on Coronation music, Saturday’s concert was a slightly guilty pleasure for any loyal subject of her majesty. Leaping from climax to climax, the YMS and their orchestra, under the baton of David Pipe, stirred the heart throughout.

First we stood and pretended to remember the second verse of God Save the Queen, which firmly set the mood of celebration and jubilation.

The excellent choir was augmented by the strengths of the Minster Songmen and Choral Scholars, immediately apparent in the excitement of Handel’s Zadok the Priest, and My Heart is Inditing.

A warm and eloquent performance of Albinoni’s 2nd oboe concerto with soloist Jane Wright provided a break for reflection in the first half, particularly in the lovely adagio. This was followed, though, by an enlivening and sparkling performance of Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music; perhaps rarely heard today without the distraction of actual pyrotechnics.

The spirited Vivats of Parry’s I was Glad, which began the second half, sustained the excitement, and anticipation of the stirring key changes in the last verse of Vaughan Williams arrangement of Old Hundredth would have brought a tear to the eye of the most die-hard republican.

Crown Imperial was taken at a spanking pace, which brought a welcome urgency to the trio, and Parry’s popular forced march for Milton’s rather pedestrian lyric in Blest Pair of Sirens lessened the mood not one whit.

Orchestra – special congratulations to the brass section, who made the most of every opportunity – and choir gave of their best in a jubilant concert.

- Charles Hunt