Emotional tribute to The Fallen
E remembered the centenary of the ending of World War I with a wellchosen musical programme, hosted by, and featuring The Overgate Hospice Choir, in collaboration with the Kirkleesbased Musica Youth Orchestra.
Special guests included the Deputy Mayor of Kirklees and war veterans from Huddersfield.
Musical director of the choir, and compère for the evening, Dr Simon Lindley, introduced the concert which began with audience participation in ‘All People That On Earth Do Dwell’ (Vaughan Williams) conducted by maestro Thom Meredith with his formidable Musica Youth Orchestra.
There followed a selection of appropriate pieces, such as Elgar’s ‘Prelude in Memoriam’.
Simon produced a considered rendition of this serious-toned organ solo.
The choir gave a thoughtful interpretation of Greater Love Hath No Man (Ireland) which was announced by a powerful tenor section. Some good unaccompanied moments with a warm choral tone.
We were astounded by the prowess of the Musica Youth Orchestra during ‘Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis’ (Vaughan Williams) ably conducted by Peter Simons. This string sensation, enhanced by robust brass fanfares, elicited an explosion of applause. And we were wowed time and time again by this youth orchestra.
‘Unbelievable’ said an audience member!
The second half featured Karl Jenkins’ ‘The Armed Man’. This was originally written to remember the victims of Kosovo. Jenkins’ contrasting musical styles reflect Performance: Artists: Venue: Review by: the gamut of emotions that radiate from a series of sacred and secular words.
In conjunction with the piccolo, rhythms executed with military precision by the snare drum dominated ‘L’homme armè’ the opening movement, suggesting the onset of war. The soloists and choir responded with confidence and Thom was in full control, having set a perfect tempo which never wavered.
Onward with the Islamic ‘Call to Prayer’ and a sombre ‘Kyrie’ in which the choir skilfully created weaving choral textures that contrasted with assured unison singing from Rosie Barber, Martha Hill, and Madison Tasker, three choristers from Halifax Minster.
Thom drew dramatic swathes of sound from the orchestra at the start of ‘Hymn Before Action’ and the choir gamely sang to their limits to produce a powerful collective sonority.
However, at times the choir could not be heard sufficiently, notably in required louder moments. For future similar endeavours maybe a collaboration with another choir might be considered?
Horrors of war were depicted by harrowing and ambitious choral music, in ‘Torches’: the aftermath of war followed with utterly spellbounding melodies in the Agnus Dei.
The choir’s finest moment was its moving performance of the ‘Benedictus’, with excellent choral ensemble and heart-felt singing in beautifully phrased melodies. Will Robertson’s accomplished cello playing was the icing on the cake.
The hymn-like conclusion was enriched by lively woodwind motifs. The choir sang words of hope with conviction, ending what was a memorable and emotionally charged performance of ‘The Armed Man.’
Claire Strafford, Lucy Appleyard, Jeremy Dawson and Tom Asher were the experienced vocal soloists.
This well-attended concert successfully served as a timely reminder of the approaching Centenary of Armistice and raised about £8,000 in aid of Overgate Hospice. Well done to all involved!