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Reviews
This is North Devon - Review - Thurs 8 April 2010
Wilkleigh Singers
Stainer: Crucifiction
Concert Venue: Torrington Parish Church, Torrington
Winkleigh Singers Gothic Splendour Torrington Parish Church Review: Barbara Pears
'A TRULY memorable evening' was a comment overheard as I left the concert given by the Winkleigh Singers. It was held at the parish church in Torrington to an appreciative audience.
The first half of the evening was devoted to English composers from 1816 onwards with a well chosen, varied programme in praise of God and ending with the Magnificat by Stanford.
The Crucifixion by John Stainer in the second half was beautifully sung by the choir, with tenor Mark Hounsell and bass Jonathan Wagstaff creating a marvellous atmosphere with reverence.
Steven Martin made full use of the magnificent organ creating wonderful sounds enhancing the choir and soloists. Full credit must go to Roland Smith for inspiring such high quality singing and musical blending all together of choir, soloists and organ to produce a fine performance.
'A TRULY memorable evening' was a comment overheard as I left the concert given by the Winkleigh Singers. It was held at the parish church in Torrington to an appreciative audience.
The first half of the evening was devoted to English composers from 1816 onwards with a well chosen, varied programme in praise of God and ending with the Magnificat by Stanford.
The Crucifixion by John Stainer in the second half was beautifully sung by the choir, with tenor Mark Hounsell and bass Jonathan Wagstaff creating a marvellous atmosphere with reverence.
Steven Martin made full use of the magnificent organ creating wonderful sounds enhancing the choir and soloists. Full credit must go to Roland Smith for inspiring such high quality singing and musical blending all together of choir, soloists and organ to produce a fine performance.
Braintree & Witham Times - Review - Wed 1 April 2009
SPRING CONCERT Witham and Dovercourt Choral Societies, Essex Training Choir, Colchester Philharmonic
Faure: Requiem
Barnes: Te Deum
Concert Venue: St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall
WITH the combined forces of three choirs, a large orchestra, two soloists and a packed auditorium, there was a buzz of
excitement before the start of the concert last Saturday. Parry's Coronation anthem, I Was Glad, was given a dignified
rendition by the massed forces, and the youth choir gave an exquisite performance of two songs from Bullard's Pictures
of Night. The conductor, Patrick McCarthy, led a measured Fauré Requiem, with the low strings providing mellow support
for the singers.
Fanny Mari Torres (soprano) gave a glowing rendition of Pie Jesu, and the choir a moving account of Agnus Dei.
Jonathan Wagstaff (bass baritone) was firm and mellifluous throughout Libera Me, which was given a chilling conclusion by the choir.
With its use of poetic text and familiar religious words, the performance of Bryan Barnes' Thaxted Te Deum was a delight.
The youth choir eloquently portrayed the innocence of the opening, and there was some exuberant singing from the adult choir in We Praise Thee O God.
The soloists admirably portrayed the sentiments of the extraneous texts, and a rousing finale from the combined forces brought the work to a dramatic conclusion.
DAVID WOOD
Fanny Mari Torres (soprano) gave a glowing rendition of Pie Jesu, and the choir a moving account of Agnus Dei.
Jonathan Wagstaff (bass baritone) was firm and mellifluous throughout Libera Me, which was given a chilling conclusion by the choir.
With its use of poetic text and familiar religious words, the performance of Bryan Barnes' Thaxted Te Deum was a delight.
The youth choir eloquently portrayed the innocence of the opening, and there was some exuberant singing from the adult choir in We Praise Thee O God.
The soloists admirably portrayed the sentiments of the extraneous texts, and a rousing finale from the combined forces brought the work to a dramatic conclusion.
DAVID WOOD