A audience at All Saints, Newcastle, was treated to a unique sound phenomenon when Northern Sinfonia's Late Mix presented choral group The Shout.

In its first appearance in the region, the 15-strong group performed Deep Blue - a medley of song about the sea and love.

Though time restraints prevented it from completing the full programme, half left the audience more than satisfied. It was an unfettered celebration of the human voice from a rich diversity of individual vocal sounds - performed without conductor and scores.

The material, from composers Richard Chew and Orlando Gough, draws its inspiration from the melodic sounds of Eastern Europe and traditions of African song. Mixed into a rich soup of intricate textures, with lyrics about falling in love, housework and desire among others, the result is both witty and serious - and highly entertaining.

Playing a poignant song on a scratchy wind-up gramophone, which was taken up seamlessly by the chorus, created one particularly atmospheric moment. In another number, bottle blowing effectively evoked sounds from the heart of Africa. All Saints brimmed with energy in what was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Published: ??/??/2003