There are two stories to tell about the Voices of Hope Charity Concert 2009 presented by Action for Children. The first is an inspiring one about 200 talented musicians who used their gifts to support an organisation dedicated to helping vulnerable children and young people achieve their full potential.

The Nottingham Symphonic Winds, under their conductor Keiron Anderson, were on hand to dazzle with their virtuosity and razor-sharp ensemble in pieces ranging from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker to an arrangement of Shenandoah.

Internationally renowned tenor John Hudson was in fine voice singing popular songs from musicals as well as operatic arias. Joining him expertly as Mimi to his Rudolfo, from Puccini's La Boheme, was soprano Chris Shaw.

There were also two remarkable choirs: the hugely energetic (almost balletic) Lace City Singers who exploded into life with numbers like Dancing Queen and One Moment in Time; and the choir from Tollerton School whose enthusiasm and confidence were as uplifting as the quality of their performance.

The other story? All these performers sang and played their hearts out for only a tiny (even if highly appreciative) audience – which makes it partly a sad story as well as a mystery.

William Ruff