Sing-along prom favourites wow

For their final concert of the year, Renaissance Singers chose to present Carl Orff’s exciting masterpiece Carmina Burana, along with a charming, more traditional mix of items, including a Beatles bracket and a selection of music theatre favourites.

The afternoon began with Carmina Burana, a work full of haunting melodies and glorious tone colours, supported by everpresent rhythmic effervescence.

Originally for a large choir and orchestra, the Renaissance Singers’ relatively small size saw a magnificent reduced orchestra featuring piano (Jonathan Berkahn), keyboard (Christine Archer-lockwood) and a great percussion quartet led by Tim Jones. Baritone Roger Wilson and Shayna Tweed (soprano), both in magnificent voice, completed this lineup.

Conductor Guy Donaldson understood the work perfectly, shaping this performance with energy and rhythmic drive, balanced by the beautifully reflective sections. Donaldson allowed the choir, soloists and all players to shine individually, as required, and if there was ever a momentary lapse, he quickly brought things back into line.

The result was a thrilling, spellbinding performance, one which held audience and performers alike on the edge of their seats throughout. The second half of the concert was lighter in style, but no less demanding for the choir.

The afternoon concluded with a short selection of Prom favourites, allowing the audience to join the choir.