IF ever there was a musical organisation that enacted its mission statement, then it's Magdala Opera.

Their purpose is to provide opportunities through singing and performance for people from all kinds of background, to enable them to realise their potential and thereby create experiences which are life-enhancing, life-changing and life-affirming.

Well, that's quite an ambition, but no one in the Albert Hall on Saturday night could have doubted their energy, passion and whole-hearted commitment.

The programme had something for everyone, ranging from Don Carlos, Verdi's dark operatic tragedy to the razzmatazz of Cabaret.

The chorus always brought a sense of high drama to their performances, not easy when numbers are sung out of context.

A particular highlight was the great Easter Hymn from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, resplendently accompanied by the Albert Hall's Binns organ.

Members of the chorus also emerged as impressive soloists in numbers from South Pacific, Sweeney Todd and Kismet.

The evening's soloists brought much fine singing to some demanding roles. Tenor Neil Allen, mezzo Allison Cook, soprano Maria Droulou and baritone Garry Magee communicated vividly the spirit of whatever they were singing – Broadway hits as well as spectacular numbers from Puccini's Madama Butterfly or Gounod's Faust.

Whether it was comedy, vocal pyrotechnics, spiritual intensity or the lightness of operetta, they always impressed, ensuring that climaxes packed the maximum punch.

Tim Lole introduced the programme and provided virtuosic accompaniments. Artistic director Michelle Wegwart ensured that the whole team thoroughly deserved the audience cheers that greeted each number.