12:15pm Friday 24th April 2009
Kingston Choral Society Concert, Kingston Parish Church Kingston Choral Society continued its tradition of inventive programming under its new conductor Graham Ross with a selection of works by Britten, Howells and Tippett. Saturday’s concert at Kingston Parish Church was well attended and the audience was not disappointed.
The first work ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ was originally scored for a treble and alto soloist in addition to the usual tenor and bass soloists, choir and organ. Both treble and alto solos were performed very effectively by Emelia Hughes (soprano) and Roger Mullis (counter tenor) respectively. Although ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ is quite a short work, it poses challenges for both soloists and choir alike, which were surmounted effectively. In particular, the soloists were often required to sing above or below their usual voice range. The choir in turn supported the soloists and at no time was there any danger of the solo parts being overwhelmed by the chorus.
James McVinnie then performed an entertaining ‘interlude’ in the form of a short organ work ‘Scherzetto’ by Percy Whitlock, followed by Tippett's well known 'Negro Spirituals' for choir and soloists. This was, perhaps the highlight of the concert: both soloists and choir interacted seamlessly with each other and there was an incredible richness of sound. The dynamic range was equally impressive and, even in the faster passages, the words were clear. The Negro Spirituals are difficult to perform, yet the choir and soloists gave a ‘spirited’ rendition and appeared to make light work of them. This was one of the best performances Kingston Choral Society has given and the first half ended on a very positive note.
The second half opened with another organ work ‘Paean’ by Howells. This is a more substantial piece than the ‘Scherzetto’ and it provided a suitable platform for James McVinnie, the assistant organist of Westminster Cathedral, to demonstrate his skills.
The concert concluded with Howells’ Requiem. Scored for the same forces as ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’, this piece was stylistically very different. Written in ‘modal’ style it nevertheless becomes more dissonant and accuracy in intonation is needed in order for the performance to be effective – a challenge, which was largely met. There were some beautiful entries, especially from Jonathan Knight (tenor) ‘I heard a voice from Heaven’ and from Gareth John (Bass) ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills’, the opening words of Psalm 121. The choir once again used its dynamic range to good effect throughout the Requiem and the subdued ending was particularly effective.
This was a very enjoyable and exciting concert. Thanks must go to the soloists Emelia Hughes, Richard Mullis, Jonathan Knight and Gareth John. Special congratulations are due to James Mcvinnie (organ) who, having played at Jade Goody's funeral in the morning, had the unenviable task of racing round the M25 in time for the afternoon rehearsal with the choir! Kingston Choral Society and Graham Ross for their achievement in making this concert a special one.
Kingston Choral Society will be performing Fauré Requiem and Haydn’s Nelson Mass in Kingston Parish Church on June 20 at 7.30pm.
Charles Brenan
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