Choral Society rejoice with festive show
a prelude to the first half of this concert’s substantial item, Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols.
This was a significant change in direction to the start of the concert.
Texts taken mainly from the 14th Century are set to the unique 20th Century style of Benjamin Britten.
Foranyonewhoknowsanythingabout choral writing, or indeed choral singing, theywillappreciatethatthisset,of11short carols, is not easy .
Sohowdidthechoirhandlethiswork? The short answer is incredibly well. They did a marvellous job.
From the outset every word could be heard: the diction was pristine.
Thesecondhalfopenedwithacomplete contrast: Murray’s Oh, Ebenezer.
Afunbitofswingfabulouslyperformed by Bishopwearmouth Young Singers.
Thiswasthenfollowedbytwofinesolos fromJessicaHolmes,which,justlikeinthe first half were a perfect precursor to the main work, Chilcott’s On Christmas Night.
The choir’s performance, including the contributiontocertainsectionsbyBishopwearmouth Young Singers, did not disappoint either.
Like A Ceremony of Carols,Chilcott’sworkisbasedon a series of old texts.
The moving opening was extremely well blended – the choir really showed off rich vocal textures that Chilcott creates.
The readings in between the carols were clear and well read by both young people and adults.
This concert not only had power and might yet delicacy and detail, but also it had a somewhat rustically modern feel.
The applause at the end said it all. This was a wonderful evening packed with a lot ofmusic.Unreservedcongratulationsmust go to everyone involved.