Brought together by music

MUSIC is a great way to bring people together, and Britten’s St Nicolas is the perfect piece to achieve this.
Witham Choral Society joined with their twinned choir from Weinheim, in Germany, to sing of the fourth-century saint’s life. There was perfect balance between the choir and orchestra in the haunting introduction, and the ladies clearly enjoyed singing of his birth, with the melody bouncing between the sopranos, altos and Joshua Roche, as the young Nicolas.
This theme was taken on by the mature Nicolas, sung by tenor John Upperton. His warm tone, excellent diction and gift of storytelling added much to the performance.
The contribution of the gallery choir from Colchester Bach Choir and the trio of boy trebles from Chelmsford Cathedral Choir was first-rate.
Conductor Patrick McCarthy had the measure of Britten’s music and expertly guided the choir and orchestra.
Elsewhere in the programme, Colchester Philharmonic gave a mellow and relaxed performance of Purcell’s Chachony, and their account of Britten’s Simple Symphony was full of character.
Schubert’s Mass in G was delightfully sung, with the tones of soprano Gill Wilson and bass Martin Lehr adding much to the proceedings.
For me, the overriding memory of the evening will be the earth-shattering conclusion of Britten’s St. Nicholas, when the choir and orchestra embellished the melody of the hymn tune sung by the audience.

David Wood

WITH the combined forces of three choirs, a large orchestra, two soloists and a packed auditorium, there was a buzz of excitement before the start of the concert last Saturday. Parry’s Coronation anthem, I Was Glad, was given a dignified rendition by the massed forces, and the youth choir gave an exquisite performance of two songs from Bullard’s Pictures of Night. The conductor, Patrick McCarthy, led a measured Fauré Requiem, with the low strings providing mellow support for the singers.
Fanny Mari Torres (soprano) gave a glowing rendition of Pie Jesu, and the choir a moving account of Agnus Dei.
Jonathan Wagstaff (bass baritone) was firm and mellifluous throughout Libera Me, which was given a chilling conclusion by the choir.
With its use of poetic text and familiar religious words, the performance of Bryan Barnes’ Thaxted Te Deum was a delight.
The youth choir eloquently portrayed the innocence of the opening, and there was some exuberant singing from the adult choir in We Praise Thee O God.
The soloists admirably portrayed the sentiments of the extraneous texts, and a rousing finale from the combined forces brought the work to a dramatic conclusion.

David Wood

Stunning choirs capture the mood

“THE WORDS of Dream of Gerontius were taken from a poem by Cardinal Newman and set to music by Edward Elgar. They tell the story, in Part I, of Gerontius on his deathbed. The long, slow orchestral prelude transports the audience into the scene, setting the mood and building on the emotions, thus preparing the way for the entry of Gerontius sung by the tenor, Richard Edgar-Wilson. He had a long, long singing role which he carefully paced.
The attendants around Gerontius’ bedside were represented by the massive chorus of getting on for 180 voices, from three choirs. It was a remarkable, restrained entry befitting of the occasion.
Stephen Holloway as the priest had a small part but his rich bass voice resonated splendidly through the hall.
In part two, Gerontius arrives at the Heavenly Gates with his guardian angel and makes his way past demons trying to claim him for Hell. He hears angels praising God and after enduring a night in Purgatory prepares to enter into the presence of God. Guardian angel, Elizabeth Sikora, mezzo-soprano, began in ameasured, self-possessed way but grew in stature with the drama of the music.
The choir was truly magnificent. They achieved great contrasts in their roles as attendants, then as menacing demons and finally as an awe-inspiring choir of angelicals. Colchester Philharmonic complemented the singers perfectly.
But the success of the production was surely down to Patrick McCarthy. He is the conductor of each of the choirs: Ipswich Bach Choir, Witham Choral Society and Colchester Bach Choir as well as the conductor of the orchestra. Without exception everyone responded to his direction which resulted in such a fine achievement.”

Judith Newman