Music Director of Wellington Choral Society Laurence Blyth |
Laurence and the Wellington Choral Society |
Earlier this year, in February, Laurence was joined by Counterpoint Choir soprano Josie Walledge for a performance or Pergolesi's 'Stabat Mater' at Powderham Castle (full account in 'Classical Journey' report 1 March). Josie was at the Church of St John the Baptist in Wellington this Saturday to sing the soprano solo in Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas', with the Wellington Choral Society, directed by - Laurence Blyth.
A devastating portrayal of Queen Dido of Carthage Soprano Josie Walledge ('Cellist - Hilary Boxer) |
Dido's sister Belinda - Soprano Marian Hull |
The 'Second Handmaiden' Mezzo-Soprano Charlotte Pangraz |
A terrifying sorceress - and deceiving spirit Mezzo-Soprano Juliet Curnow |
Grossly outnumbered - Baritone Matthew Cann is Aeneas Laurence and Matthew share the applause as bouquets are distributed |
The choir, however, were the main attraction. Under the capable music direction of Laurence Blyth, they have built a beautiful sound. After the Purcell opera the choir performed Eric Whitacre's 'Seal Lullaby', a beautiful selection of 'Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare' by George Shearing, and finally MOrten Lauridsen's 'Sure on this Shining Night'. All utterly delightful.
Laurence acknowledges the Wellington Choral Society Choir |
The Church of St John the Baptist in Wellington will be the venue for another great choral concert later this month. The Collegium Singers are a very capable Somerset renaissance choir directed by Peter Leech. They have performed at Exeter Cathedral in the past (and let's hope they will again). On Friday 16th December they are giving a concert called 'O Magnum Mysterium' - renaissance music for Advent and Christmas, and a celebration of the life of sixteenth century Spanish composer Tomas Luis de Victoria (d. 20 Aug 1611).
The Wellington Choral Society's next concert will be somewhat further from Exeter. On Saturday 10th December they will be at Wells Cathedral for 'Sing for Somerset', a carol service in collaboration with 'Somerset Voices' and the Mid Somerset Orchestra. Wellington Choral Society are also preparing for a spectacular concert - Bach's St John Passion - to be performed at the Church of St John the Baptist in Wellington on Saturday 24th March 2012.
This weekend mezzo-soprano Juliet Curnow will join bass Julian Rippon, Tenor Thomas Hobbs and soprano Raphaela Papadakis to sing Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio' St David's Church Exeter at 7.30pm tonight (Saturday 3rd December). Tickets £15 (students £7.50), box office - Exeter Phoenix, 01392 667080)
Also tonight Matthew Cann will stage the inaugural concert of his new choir 'Antiphon' at Buckfast Abbey (7.30pm Sat 3rd December). He will be joined by members of Counterpoint Choir and an intriguing selection of soloists from around the country.
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