East Devon Choral Society: Haydn's St Nicholas Mass St Peter's Church Tiverton Saturday 17 December

Debut performance for a promising soprano
Ellie Partridge sings the St Nicholas Mass

Just time to mention the wonderful choral concert in Tiverton this Saturday night.

Andrew Daldorph conducted the East Devon Choral Society in Haydn's 'St Nicholas Mass', followed by his own suite of songs, 'Seven Joys'. The planned soloists and the accompanist were all current pupils at Exeter School. A very talented team.

However, on the night, it was very sad to see that Lucy Bray was unable to sing the alto part. Congratulations to her understudy, Margaret Thomson, who sang the alto part beautifully.

The exciting revelation of the evening was the soprano voice of Ellie Partridge. This was her debut performance, and she had a vast solo part to perform - from the 'Kyrie' to the 'Agnus Dei'. Her tone and diction were extraordinarily polished for a first outing. Regular choir member Margaret Thomson was equally delightful in the alto part - a beautiful mezzo soprano voice.

Tenor Jonathan Schranz returned with Bass Matthew Smith. Jonathan was beautifully poised and sang magnificently. Matthew, despite a stinking cold, produced a very sonorous and engaging bass solo.

Michael Dawson provided accompaniment on the organ and piano. Michael is one of Hilary Boxer's promising 'cello students - and had performed 'cello solos at previous concerts. It is wonderful to see him in action again.

Many thanks to the East Devon Choral Society - and their Chair and Deputy - Martyn Green and Sue North. And extra special thanks to their Musical Director, Andrew Daldorph.

Andrew Daldorph will be back in action with his Exeter Chamber Choir on Tuesday (20th December) at St Mary Arches Church in Exeter. (Scroll down to the concert run-down for details - jump)

Here are a few more snaps of that glorious concert:

The full line-up: Alto Margaret Thomson, Soprano Ellie Partridge
at the far end: Tenor Jonathan Schranz, Bass Matthew Smith

Ellie Partridge sings in perfect harmony
with the regular bass voices of the East Devon Choral Society

Piano and Organ Accompanist
Michael Dawson

Tenor: Jonathan Schranz

Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
acknowledging the superb work of the choir and soloists
(and Pianist Michael Dawson who is just off-camera on the left)

You will notice some metal supports and other paraphernalia in these shots. Michael Gluyas had his audio equipment set up to record the concert - stayed tuned to hear his beautifully reproduced recording.

Also present was video expert Mike Brett. From his vantage point he was able to pick up yet more close-ups of the action. There are more on the 'Dropbox' website (link)

Andrew Daldorph conducts, Ellie Partridge sings
- accompanied by Michael Dawson on piano
(Photography: Michael Brett)

A close-up of Tenor Jonathan Schranz in action
(Photography: Michael Brett)

And the Bass - Matthew Smith
(Photography: Michael Brett)

Exeter Chamber Choir
St Mary Arches Church Exeter
Tuesday 20 December 7.30pm
'A Concert of Christmas Music'
featuring:
Nick Cornish: Oboe & Saxophones
Todd Gibson Cornish: bassoon
(Father and son)
Tickets: £10 (in aid of the St Stephen's Project)
Box Office: 01392 851207
www.exeterchamberchoir.co.uk