The brothers from Lincolnshire were schooled at De Aston, Market Rasen, and returned to showcase their latest work. Andrew is vicar at Bourne and Patrick composer in residence for classic FM

The concert is reviewed here by Dr Anne Holmes, who was awarded her MBE for services to music in Lincolnshire over many years -

"Once again St James's Church was packed for this concert given by the Louth Choral Society, now in its 141st year and still growing in stature. The evening opened with a fine performance by the choir and the Eastern Sinfonia orchestra of Handel's "Zadok the Priest", and this was followed by the orchestra playing Ralph Vaughan Williams's "English Folk Song Suite".

This was a special concert in two important ways; firstly, it was the regional premiere of the "Lazarus Requiem" by Patrick Hawes, who spoke with great warmth and sincerity of his early years living in Lincolnshire and attending De Aston School in Market Rasen, from where he went on to Durham University.

Secondly he came up from his home in Norfolk to conduct his composition.

We had the privilege of hearing Erica Eloff (soprano from South Africa) and Harriet Williams (mezzo) both of whom sang in the work's London premiere, as well as Charles Daniels (tenor) and the Louth Choral Society, all of whom were superb. Here we must pay tribute to Andrew Hawes, Patrick's brother, who collaborates with Patrick, and who wrote the most moving poem which was introduced as a moment of reflection within the Proper of the Requiem.

The work begins with an "Elegy for Lazarus", and each movement is preceded by a Tableau which opens with an unaccompanied solo baritone saxophone introduction. It was in these sections that the soloists told the story, and where the dialogue between Lazarus's sisters and Christ took place, the last of which led us into a most beautifully crafted "Lux Aeterna".

It would be very difficult to find three more beautiful voices than we heard in St James's, the artistry and sincerity with which they performed will remain in the memory for a long time to come. This work should become standard choral repertoire; it is difficult but accessible and rewarding. We must pay tribute to Martin Pickering; his enthusiasm, musicianship and dedication to the Society gives the area concerts of outstanding quality and Louth is lucky indeed to have him."