Having read glowing reviews of Eynsham Choral Society by my colleague Giles Woodforde, I was expecting great things from them last Saturday. And I'm happy to report that I was not disappointed. Bach's St Matthew Passion is not the easiest of pieces to sing, with its double choir and its musical and dramatic intensity, but they tackled it fearlessly.

Under the tireless direction of Alison Wilson, every note and every syllable was uttered with the utmost integrity and precision, and they maintained a beautiful tone throughout. As is so often the case, the basses and tenors were outnumbered by almost two to one, but they made sure their contribution was heard, and only occasionally did the sound seem unbalanced.

There were noteworthy contributions, too, from a handful of choir members entrusted with solo lines - none, alas, individually credited in the programme - and from the ripieno choir, which sang in the first half, and was made up of members of various Oxford youth choirs.

Tenor Hugh Wilson was impressive as the Evangelist, producing an eloquent, heartfelt narrative, his singing always masterly and controlled. Henry Herford's vast operatic experience - which includes roles at Glyndebourne and Covent Garden - was evident in his moving portrayal of Jesus, and there were equally stirring contributions from soprano Siona Stockel and bass baritone Richard Weston. But I was particularly impressed with countertenor Stephen Harvey, a postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music, who sang with great maturity, the beauty and expressive qualities of his voice making each of his solos a real thrill.

No less impressive was the contribution of the baroque orchestra - an outstanding group of musicians selected specially for the occasion, who provided sensitive and unobtrusive accompaniment throughout.

This was a conscientious and faithful interpretation of Bach's monumental work, which paid appropriate attention to its dramatic, contemplative and devotional elements, resulting in a performance that was reverent, stirring and ultimately uplifting.