I WILL get straight to the point – Winter, you’re nothing but a rogue. These sentiments, sung in French with defiant gusto, summed up The Durham Singers’ latest concert at Elvet Methodist Church, in Durham City.

Yver, Vous n’Estes Qu’un Villain, the climax of a set of poems by Charles d’ Orleans set to music by Debussy, was one of many highlights of a Winter Serenade, which brought musical warmth to a dark cold night.

The pot-pourri of unaccompanied English and French love songs and sacred music was the choice of the dynamic young musician Clare Lawrence-Wills, who directed the choir.

Clare, who has performed several large solo parts with the choir and is now assistant conductor of Durham Choral Society and Northern Spirit Singers, transmitted an infectious enthusiasm to the singers.

The evening opened with a warm account of Saint-Saens’ Calme des Nuit and wistful Draw on, Sweet Night by John Wilbye, before four sparkling seasonal motets by Poulenc; with a spirited delivery of Gloria in Excelsis.

The renaissance madrigal Bonjour mon Coeur, by de Lassus, was richly textured, while Elgar’s atmospheric My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land featured beautifully soaring lines from the sopranos.

Clare was animated and engaging throughout, providing informative introductions to each song.

After telling us how challenging Messiaen’s O Sacrum Convivium was, she went on to make it all seem so effortless.

Highlights of the second half included Holst’s take on the Cornish folksong I Love my Love and Passereau’s Il est bel et bon, with its witty imitation of clucking hens.

An uplifting rendition of Elgar’s O Happy Eyes and a hearty (and appropriate) Bring us in Good Ale, by Holst, ended proceedings.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable musical mix that showcased the Durham Singers’ versatility and the impressive talents of a young conductor, who is clearly one to watch.