It’s safe to say that Verdi’s epic Requiem is no easy feat for the most experienced group of musicians. But in the dramatic setting of the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall, there is a detectable note of excitement in the air as the University Music Society Symphony Orchestra and Chorus prepare to give it their best shot.

Indeed, as conductor Russell Cowieson draws in the 700 strong crowd from the beginning with beautifully lyrical passages from the string section, and with an equally expressive entrance from the chorus, audience members soon realise that the next 90 minutes is well set to capture their full attention.

The chorus successfully displays the full range of its talent in recounting the tender opening of the first movement, the 'Requiem and Kyrie', later matching whirlwind orchestral phrases from the vigorous brass section during the dramatic entrance to the 'Dies Irae' with equal eloquence. Despite the lack of tenors, balance between the choral sections is good, and the singers are able to maintain stability with the occasionally overpowering orchestra.

The Symphony Orchestra distinguish beautifully between movements, with accurate contrast between the gripping orchestral film score passages, and the more reserved solo phrases, which resound brilliantly around the substantial performance space. Technical scale passages are handled with ease by a competent violin section, while the woodwind refuse to be intimidated by the strong brass section which surround them with its vivid tones.

The choral soloists bring together the performance while working with the rest of the singers to truly capture the mood of the work: Tenor Jung Soo Yun never ceases to impress as his strong tones and well controlled trills fill the hall. As the performance concludes, there is little doubt that the audience is in the presence of not only a substantial achievement, but of definite talent.