Mass appeal for choral group

With the Choral Society in pleasing voice and tone, their joy was obvious as they relished the magnificence of these works.

In an evening of musical grandeur two of the great Requiems in the choral repertoire appeared together in the same programme.

They were performed with commitment and joy by the Palmerston North Choral Society.

While the coupling itself is not unusual, it is always a treat to experience these works together. They represent the best work of two gifted composers using the Mass to create some extraordinarily atmospheric music, characterised with passages of great ethereal beauty and enormous drama.

With the Choral Society in pleasing voice and tone, their joy was obvious as they relished the magnificence of these works. They sung with confidence and empathy

for their music as they allowed conductor Alison Stewart to explore the expressive qualities of the music.

An excellent ensemble of soloists had been assembled, including soprano Imogen Thirlwall, Elisabeth Harris (mezzo soprano), Joe Christensen (bass/ baritone) and our own Nigel Tongs in the tenor role.

Each proved to be in excellent voice as they added richness to the evening’s music. Organist Douglas Mews provided a magnificent accompaniment for both works, further ensuring the success of the evening.