When the Youth Choir of Carlisle Cathedral, England, visited St. Catherine of Siena Church in Great Falls last week, it looked like a bunch of teenagers. Glasses, spiky, dyed hair, fingers heavily laden with rings — typical youths on the path to adulthood. Except these teenagers were draped in identical green robes and they could sing.

Directed by John Robinson, the two-hour performance by the 13- to 18-year-old singers was liquid-smooth, with its perfectly staggered breaths and simultaneous cut-offs. "In Thee, O Lord," by G. F. Handel, "Verleih uns Frieden" by Felix Mendelssohn and "Geistliches Lied" by Johannes Brahms make up just a smattering of the complex scores tackled by the 15-member choir. The youths’ talent and commitment were inspirational even for a small girl in a white dress, no older than 10, who silently mouthed the words along with the ensemble to Mozart’s "Ave Verum" from her pew.

The blend, while beautiful, did lack the complete confidence of adult choirs. But they’re not adults, they’re teenagers; and with eyes closed, they sounded older.

Organist Jeremy Suter accompanied nearly every piece. Two special sections of the performance were reserved for 17-year-old Tim Ravalde and his talented tickling of the organ ivories. He almost danced as he played, the dynamics of the piece affected by his constant total-body movement. Ravalde’s pressing of knobs and pedals earned him a standing ovation.

Megan Nelson, 17, has been singing with the youth choir for two-and-a-half years, and credits it for great friendships and improving her sight-reading skills, giving her a "wide repertoire" of music with which to work. She is in the United Kingdom’s equivalent to 12th grade and is waiting to hear back from "uni," where she hopes to study music.

Emma Walton, 17, has been a part of the youth choir since she was 13. She said her faith has been influenced by participating in the Anglican Church’s religious services and being present at the cathedral.

"Music has developed my faith a lot," Walton said. "I wasn’t particularly religious at all (when she joined). Now I’m getting confirmed soon."

Performers weren’t the only ones affected by the sacred music. As the group ended with a final prayer in song — "May the Lord Bless You and Keep You" — the audience got to its feet in commendation and appreciation for an evening well spent.