It was a great occasion of song, celebration, and a touch of royal sparkle as the Jambouree Cabaret Singers marked their 20th anniversary with a glorious concert at St Leonard’s-in-the-Fields Church, Perth. The milestone event was made even more special with the news that their founder and musical director, Edna Auld, had that very morning been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours — a richly deserved recognition of her tireless work in music education and community performance.

From the moment the choir opened with the rousing “With a Song in My Heart,” the audience knew they were in for something memorable. It was a fitting start for a group whose very first concert, a quarter of a century ago, was no less than a royal engagement — performing in front of HM The Queen at Perth Concert Hall.

Throughout the concert, a life-sized cardboard figure of King Charles III smiled down approvingly from the pulpit, a playful reminder of the choir’s regal connections and national recognition.

The programme, drawn from a wide variety of genres, reflected the choir’s unique blend of classical discipline, cabaret flair, and community warmth. Funiculì, Funiculà brought the sunshine of Naples, while “You’ll Never Walk Alone” soared with emotion. Soloists Simone, Alex, and Anastasia charmed the audience with a delightfully choreographed “Singin’ in the Rain,” their youthful joy lighting up the church.

Baritone Bill Millar delivered a deeply moving rendition of “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?” — his rich, sonorous tones capturing the heartache of the Depression-era classic. Then came the first appearance of the ever-popular Jambouree Juniors, whose exuberant take on “Mole in a Hole” had toes tapping. Young soloist Chris showed extraordinary promise — surely a name to watch in future festivals.

The programme was expertly compered by Alan Laing, whose commentary guided the audience through a beautifully curated programme. A section of classical works showcased the extraordinary vocal talent nurtured by the Jambouree family. Shannon McKinney, a former Kathleen Ferrier Trophy winner at Perform in Perth, offered a tender and lyrical “Shepherd’s Song” by Elgar. Perform in Perth medalists Teenah Bee and Iona Melloy enchanted with Grieg’s “Gruss,” their voices blending with elegance and sensitivity. Teenah then took the spotlight solo with a heartfelt “Zueignung” by Richard Strauss, while Iona’s “Linden Lea” (Vaughan Williams) was sung with poise and grace.

Comedy and nostalgia mingled as David Thomson and Kenneth Maciver revived the ever-popular Offenbach “Gendarmes Duet,” performed with sparkle and comic timing. Then came a highlight of the concert — vocal coach Fiona Brownsmith, who has quietly shaped the musical lives of so many young performers, stepped into the spotlight herself. Her performance of Verdi’s “La Vergine degli Angeli,” supported by the choir, was moving and majestic.

A Scottish interlude followed, with Eleanor MacQueen — another success story from Perform in Perth — singing “Willie Gane to Neville Castle” with beautiful clarity and expression. The Juniors returned in full costume for a riotous rendition of “The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede,” delighting the audience with every wiggling leg.

As a touching echo of their very first performance, the choir sang “Highland Cathedral” in a stirring arrangement by John Scrimgeour. The music swelled with pride and memory, setting the scene for a final section of showstoppers and celebration.

The Juniors started the musical theatre medley with high-kicking flair in “42nd Street.” Marilyn Taylor gave a sultry, heartfelt performance of “Can’t Help Lovin’ that Man,” and the Cabaret Singers brought West End glamour to “Love Changes Everything.”

Evelina, winner of the best under-10 class at the music festival, charmed everyone with “The Little Shoemaker.” The Juniors brought laughter and choreography to “The Safari Park Song,” while David Thomson returned with a warm and romantic “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Young Alex, silver medal winner for boys, sang “Molly Malone” with sweet sincerity.

The penultimate moments brought contrasting moods: “Blowin’ in the Wind” offered reflection and unity, and then came a riot of laughter with David Thomson’s energetic “Hippopotamus Song.” But the biggest surprise came as the Cabaret Singers revealed a secret rhythm section for “One You” — percussion, pizzazz and all. The grand finale, “Mambo Italiano,” brought the house down in true Jambouree fashion, joyous and full of flair.

As the final applause rang out, the sound of pipes filled the church. Dr Wright, long associated with the choir, piped performers and audience out into the night with the strains of “Highland Cathedral” once again — the perfect bookend to a truly special celebration.

The Jambouree Cabaret Singers are more than just a choir. They are a musical community, a training ground, a legacy — and above all, a family. Over the past 20 years, dozens have passed through its ranks, including notable alumni like Liam Bonthrone, Fraser McDonald, and Pavlina Ivanova, all now flourishing in music. Edna Auld’s vision, skill, and boundless generosity have made this possible.

Saturday’s concert was a triumph in every sense — and with Edna’s well-earned British Empire Medal gleaming in the background, it felt not just like a celebration of the past, but a fanfare for a future still rich in music, laughter, and song.