Review - 07 December 2013

Source: Bridgwater Mercury December 17, 2013

It can truly be said that Bridgwater Choral Society got "in tune with heaven" at their December 2013 concert at St Mary's, Bridgwater.  In particular, the choir were attuned to that particular heaven which is the late 20th century English sacred music of Holst, Vaughan Williams and Britten.  It was a great step forward for a choir, which has until now appeared far more at ease with Handel, Mozart and Haydn.

Mary Morgan, last heard singing lute-accompanied madrigals at St Mary's, Cannington  moved unrushed and with great clarity through the Stainer, Wesley and Britten.

David Mills sang the bass solo in Rejoice in the Lamb beautifully.  It was touching to see these two highly-experienced performers standing side by side with the young invited soloists, Naomi Chidgey, alto, and Luke Tutton, tenor, who both performed with focus.

Momentum gathered in the second part as the choir fully warmed to, and embraced, their material.

What was the verdict of the audience at large?  An ambitious programme which entailed a great deal of singing!  The eight-part dynamics were considered to be well-graded and the soloists adept.  An interesting and enjoyable concert which ended on a high note with Parry's Blest Pair of Sirens.