Singers in full voice for performance in front of the mayor
Concert review CHARNWOOD Voices recent concert in Trinity Methodist Centre was thoroughly enjoyed by a near capacity audience and this reviewer felt that it’s always good to leave a concert feeling uplifted, having seen not only examples of instrumental and vocal virtuosity but also performances reflecting enormous musical sensitivity.
Under the baton of conductor, Nicholas Scott-Burt (and in the presence of the Mayor of Loughborough, Cllr. Margaret Smidowicz) these two elements were consistent throughout this complex choral programme with chamber accompaniment.
The programme consisted of Mozart’s Spatzenmesse or ‘Sparrow Mass’ and Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Charnwood Voices make a surprisingly full-bodied sound for a group of its size (some additional voices also participated on this occasion) which contrasted nicely with the delicate sound of the “sparrows” in the Sanctus.
Another special moment followed in the Benedictus as the Soprano melody soared upwards above the contemplative choral line.
When the “sparrows” returned at the end of the Benedictus it was to take us into a final fulsome Agnus Dei.
Within its twelve movements, Vivaldi’s Gloria reflects the full range of human emotion. The choir gave us a strong and joyful introduction. The soloists Judit Felszeghy and Catherine Griffiths both excelled in their delivery during the choral works and Judit’s solo piece with the excellent trumpet soloist Libby Foxley delighted the audience.
In conclusion, this was a concert performed by voices and chamber orchestra who welded together perfectly to produce a performance of the highest standard. The after concert smiles on faces said it all - the borough of Charnwood has musicians to be proud of.
Charnwood Voices are now looking forward to Christmas with Carols in the Carillon Shopping Centre on Saturday December 16th between 10am-1pm where they will be fundraising in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. On Tuesday 19th December they will be entertaining residents at Woodthorpe Lodge Care Home with carols and Christmas music.
Looking further forward the annual Come & Sing takes place on Saturday January 13th at Trinity Methodist. We hope that around 100 singers will gather to learn two choral works – Fauré Requiem & Rutter Gloria – before performing to an audience in the late afternoon. If you would like to book a place (particularly Tenors and Basses!) visit charnwoodvoices.org. uk for more details about the day, or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date.