The annual concert of Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir on Saturday was far more than a showcase for our local singers of a certain age.

The choir, now in its 96th year, has long had a passion to support young musicians. And this year’s programme at The Swan had three youthful treats in store for an enthusiastic audience.

And there was more: on the stage were not only the 40-strong Wycombe choir.

They had invited the Brecon Male Voice Choir to join them, making an ensemble of 70 voices. Now that’s powerful stuff. When they joined together in their opening Anthem from Chess, we knew we were in for an amazing evening of soaring music.

Stand-out numbers included He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, Rise Like a Phoenix, and a totally original take on Bohemian Rhapsody.

Freddie Mercury would surely have loved this fresh approach and fine performance. The piano accompaniment had to emulate the orchestral treatment of the original, and Orpheus’s talented new piano accompanist, Rebecca Holt, rose magnificently to the challenge. The final piece sung by both choirs, Rachie, was spine-tingling music.

While welcoming a new accompanist, the choir said farewell to their musical director, Louise Langley, retiring after 16 years in the role. This is very much the end of an era for the choir and tributes were paid to the passion and professionalism of her leadership.

The first youthful interlude came from the High Wycombe Music Centre Saxophone Choir. These youngsters were incredibly talented, performing three lively jazz numbers with faultless skill and verve.

Clearly our local male voice choir is in fine fettle - but they are looking to recruit new members, as well as a new Musical Director. See www.wycombeorpheus.org.uk if you’d like to join them.