7th May 2022

CIRENCESTER CHORAL SOCIETY – HAYDN NELSON MASS, MOZART REQUIEM
Cirencester Parish Church, 7th May 2022

After a hiatus of more than 2 years it was wonderful to be back in Cirencester Parish Church for a Cirencester Choral Society concert. Unfortunately principal conductor, Carleton Etherington, was absent due to Covid, so his place was filled at the last minute by John Wright. A former director of the choir, but with only one afternoon to get reacquainted, all performers succeeded admirably. Everyone wishes Carleton a speedy recovery.

The programme was a safe one, giving singers’ vocal-chords a chance for warm-up, but also popular, successfully attracting a packed church.
Haydn’s Nelson Mass set the tone from the start with a fanfare of trumpets and timpani, the forces of the Corelli Orchestra providing secure and sensitive backing throughout the concert. Clearly familiar with the music, the choir were able to respond positively to the dynamic contrasts requested, and I particularly enjoyed the moment when the conductor felt moved to dance for the choir!

We were treated to soloists from the Royal Academy of Music. Emilia Bertolini (Soprano) kept busy in the Haydn and provided a delightful clear lead throughout; Angharad Rowlands (Mezzo) offered warmth and richness of tone; Samuel Kibble (Tenor) was youthful and refined; Will Pate offered energy and drive. Individually they were excellent, and they combined beautifully; rarely have I enjoyed more effective quartet singing.

The Mozart Requiem is full of wonderful music, which the choir sang with warmth and confidence; energy in the Dies Irae, and sensitivity in the Lacrimosa, and enforced idleness had not impacted stamina; the choir delivered all the way to the end, sending us out buzzing with the final flourishes of the Lux Aeterna.

A great concert and reminder of what we’ve been missing, and good to be raising money for the Churn Project. Next up Handel Coronation Anthems in December.

Charles Woodd
8th May 2022