Twickenham Choral, one of south-west London’s foremost choirs, tonight marks the 150^th anniversary of the first performance of this giant among choral masterpieces.

Disparagingly described by one contemporary conductor as ‘Verdi’s latest opera, though in ecclesiastical robes’, this huge piece, more usually heard in the concert hall than in a religious setting, gained instant popularity, and was quickly endorsed by no less a figure than Brahms as a work of genius.

The listener is propelled through a whirlwind of emotions – passion, anger, terror, pleading – which call on the utmost resources from the choir, soloists and full orchestra, from the quietest spine-tingling pppp to the most tremendous ffff.

Tonight’s performance will be the final concert conducted by Twickenham Choral’s revered conductor, Christopher Herrick, as he puts down his baton after 50 years.