DESPITE a grade B in A-level music, I cannot pretend to have an expert ear when it comes to the classical genre.

But I do know a quaver from a crotchet and I, like most people, have my favourites.

Which is why it was such a joy to absorb myself in an evening of popular classics put on by Bolton Catholic Musical and Choral Society (BCMCS).

On Saturday the society celebrated 75 years of music making by joining with Bolton Symphony Orchestra in a “Classical Spectacular”.

It has been quite a few years since I’ve been able to enjoy the live sounds of a symphony orchestra and I have to say I was very impressed with the sound the musicians produced at Bolton’s Victoria Hall.

Such rousing pieces as the 1812 Overture were juxtaposed against the soft and delicate strings in Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Waltz.

Carolyn Baxendale and the energetic Robert Chasey, who also doubles up as the artistic director of the BSO, conducted the orchestra with style.

There really was something for everybody, experts and novices alike, and it was a great introduction to listening to classical music, particularly with popular hits like Puccini’s Nessun Dorma, sung admirably by William Lindsay.

Without doubt my favourite was the show-stopping finale of Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana, which not only showcased the superb singing talents of solo vocalist Jane Hyde but also the incredible intensity of the BCMCS choir.

The Classical Spectacular was a real crowd pleaser and left me with a spring in my step and a renewed verve for classical music.

The proceeds from the anniversary event went to Bolton Hospice.