STARTING a programme with one of music's greatest climaxes is a sign of confidence. But the Ormskirk Music Society knew it was producing a special performance. Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is a rousing way to end an evening yet it was but a curtain-raiser for the society's Millennium Concert. After a thoughtful playing of highlights from Khatchaturian's Spartacus, the augmented choir and orchestra devoted the second half to a marvellous version of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. With singers from Wigan Choral Society and Warrington Musical Society, the choir used every technique from soft textures to a wall of sound to make the most of the piece. Frequent changes of pace and dramatic use of percussion gave the orchestra a chance to shine, utilising all its sections to the best advantage. Conductor Jim Cooke must have thought he was in charge of musicians possessed at times as they wrung every drop of emotion from the score. A semi-chorus of Edge Hill students made an effective foil to the full choir while the voices of 21 pupils from Ormskirk Grammar School contrasted superbly with soprano Anne Taft, on Amor volat undique. Baritone Paul Chamberlain shone on Dies nox et omnia while tenor Matthew Minter excelled on Olin lacus colueram. There was no doubting the enthusiasm with which the concert was received. The audience's applause was, if anything, even louder and more rousing that Orff's score! It was thoroughly deserved.