Just a year after its world premiere in Liverpool, Karl Jenkins' 'Stabat Mater' received an ecstatic reception in Grayshott when the composer attended a performance of the work at St Luke's Church last weekend.

Excitement had been building in Grayshott for weeks, after it became known that Dr Jenkins, whose CDs sell in their millions around the world, would be attending the concert in person together with his wife Carol. Staged by Grayshott Concerts in association with Buy In Grayshott (BIG) the event was performed by the Excelsis Choir and the new Grayshott Festival Orchestra conducted by Robert Lewis. Tickets sold out in January but the organisers managed to find extra seats for a number of Jenkins fans from a waiting list of 40 hopefuls.

"The performance was everything we dreamed of - and more!" said sponsor Will Benson MD of Applegarth Farm. "To have this amazing music performed in our village church is just perfection", he said.

The text of 'Stabat Mater' dates from the thirteenth century and has been set to music by many famous composers including Vivaldi, Haydn, Schubert and Rossini. What makes this composition so unusual is that it brings together musical styles from many periods and uses six languages to convey its poignant message. Central to the performance was the ethnic solo 'Incantation' sung by Belinda Sykes who also played the 'Duduk', an ancient wind instrument. The 'Lament', sung by contralto Joyce Tindsley to words specially written by Carol Barratt, moved many in the audience to tears.

This was the most ambitious production yet by Grayshott Concerts with an orchestra of over 30 and an impressive percussion section who, together with the almost 30-strong Excelsis choir, were the first performers to take advantage of the new staging, purchased with funds raised from grants.

Audience reactions included: "Brilliant!", "Best ever", "Awesome", "Intensely powerful and emotional", "A religious experience" and "Stunning!". One enthusiast, Sue Guerrier, emailed the organisers to say: "Well done, last night was absolutely brilliant - All the superlatives. Congratulations to all concerned. You made it happen for us in Grayshott!"

After the performance, Dr Jenkins signed hundreds of programmes and CDs for delighted fans. Later he sent a congratulatory message to organisers, Peter and Vivien Harrison: "May I thank everyone involved in the Grayshott Concerts performance of my Stabat Mater on March 14th. For special praise, let me single out the excellent Excelsis Choir under the direction of Robert Lewis and the Grayshott Festival Orchestra. It was an incredibly moving rendition to a packed house and with a great response. It was also a pleasure to witness such a well run organisation. Grayshott is lucky to have Grayshott Concerts. Best wishes, Karl"

Grayshott Concerts next event is "Mozart on the Ivories" with international star pianist, Howard Shelley, and the London Mozart Players on Friday 8th May 2009. Tickets and more information from 01428 606666 and www.grayshottconcerts.co.uk.