THE sumptuous setting of Milton Abbey School has provided numerous musical treats over the years, the International Music Festival being one that has taken firm root under the direction of David McKee.

The week-long varied programme of choral works regularly attracts capacity audiences, not least that offered by Voces8.

‘Devotions’ was the name given to their concert and it just about sums up everything there is to say about the event and the performers.

The eight piece acapella group, comprised of six men and two women, have built up over the last few years a well deserved international reputation for excellence, both for their technical skill and their attention to detail.

The end result is harmony of the highest quality. The programme concentrated mainly upon a sacred theme, with music ranging from ancient to modern.

All of the music was presented with love and tenderness in an evening that brought the acoustics of the ancient abbey to life vibrantly.

Palestrina’s Magnificat had all the beauty the composer had undoubtedly planned and the ensemble’s original take on the spiritual Were You There was a delight to hear and a privilege to enjoy in the rural setting of a Dorset village.

The group are in residence at the Milton Abbey Music Festival all this week and will be performing as well as offering master classes to students, their next appearance being today at a close harmony concert at the New Barn Theatre as well as singing at the choral evensong on Saturday.