22nd November 2025

Cirencester Choral Society Concert November 2025

Joseph Haydn The Creation
by Julian Whittaker

Cirencester Choral Society

Cirencester Choral Society’s performance of The Creation was an invigorating and expertly prepared reading of Haydn’s great masterpiece. From the opening Representation of Chaos, the Bristol Symphony Orchestra set a high standard. The strings, in particular, coped admirably with Haydn’s virtuosic writing, navigating the fast,  semiquaver passages with impressive clarity and precision. Their responsiveness ensured that orchestral colour, especially in the elemental depictions of storm, sunrise and burgeoning life, was vividly conveyed. The expressive woodwind and bright timpani playing added to the overall dramatic effect. Together with the chorus, the orchestra delivered the celebrated “Let there be light” moment with thrilling impact.

The chorus sang with a well-blended sound, crisp consonants and clear diction throughout the evening. Their rhythmic vitality and energetic attack captured the drama and jubilation that runs through the work. They were particularly impressive within the fugal and polyphonic passages. Melismatic passages, which are so crucial in Haydn’s choral writing, were handled with assurance, and the choir projected expressive understanding of the text, particularly in the great choruses Awake the harp and Achieved is the glorious work.

The soloists were a well-matched team. Soprano Iuno Connolly, who had replaced Katherine Gregory (who had succumbed to a heavy cold), at the last minute, offered outstanding coloratura, underpinned by secure technique and a wide palette of tone colours. Her poised, radiant singing brought the archangel Gabriel’s music alive. Bass Oliver Barker brought a lighter, more expressive sound to Raphael, using clear facial communication and careful word-painting to illuminate his narrative role. Tenor Daniel Marles sang lyrically throughout, his communicative phrasing and stylish delivery demonstrating both solid technique and a strong affinity with Haydn’s idiom.

At the heart of the performance was Carleton Etherington’s expert conducting. He had prepared the choir to a notably high standard, and his understanding of Haydn’s vision shaped a performance that was coherent, expressive and finely judged.

In summary, this was an excellent and exciting concert, a compelling account of The Creation that showcased the strengths of choir, orchestra, soloists and conductor alike. Bravo.

Julian Whittaker, Musical Director, Newent and District Choral Society.