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| Phil Bonser |
Saturday, 28 January 2017
Sunday, 18 December 2016
Claudia Álvarez Calderón Soprano & Vihuela Recital 'Joyful Christmas' Church of St Mary & St George Totnes Saturday 17 December 2016
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| Vihuela: David Stanley Soprano: Claudia Álvarez Calderón |
Claudia Álvarez Calderón returned to Totnes this weekend by popular request for another afternoon of coloratura Christmas Carols accompanied by Father Kristian Paver. In his introduction, Father Kristian reminded us of Claudia's illustrious career. Born in Lima, she trained as an opera singer in Rome, while also pursuing a passionate interest in the vocal music of her native Peru.
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| Vihuela: David Stanley |
Father Kristian also provided the piano and organ accompaniment, but took a back seat initially as Claudia sang accompanied on the traditional Spanish vihuela de mano by David Stanley. The name 'vihuela' is a variant of 'viol', but the six courses of the vihuela approximate more closely to the modern guitar - and so does the shape and internal construction. 'De mano' refers to the playing method - plucking rather than bowing - also just like a guitar.
David's vihuela was made for him by a Sussex luthier, Alexander Batov. The sound is soft and gentle, somewhat like a lute. To demonstrate it's subtlety, David had prepared a vihuela arrangement of some beautiful plainsong, the Latin hymn "Puer Natus in Bethlehem'. As David played, Claudia harmonised in perfect Latin, recounting the tale of a certain little boy's birth.
Rather than Spanish or Italian, Claudia then proceeded to entertain the audience with three Christmas songs in German. "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen" (A Rose has Sprung Up) expounded the prophesy of Isaiah in Christian theology, in a harmonisation created by Michael Praetorius in 1609. The more modern "Maria Wiegenlied" (Mary's Cradle Song) by Max Reger recounts the New Testament vision of Mary rocking her new-born baby in his crib.
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| "Stille Nacht" Claudia Álvarez Calderón |
Father Kristian then switched from piano to organ, and Claudia changed languages to English, so that the audience could join in with a familiar Christian hymn - Nahum Tate's Winchester Carol, "While Shepherds Watched". Although singing relatively softly, Claudia kept us all in pitch with her perfect performance from the front.
"Plegaria" (Prayer) by Fermín Álvarez and the traditional Spanish carol "Los Peces en el Río" gave Claudia a chance to display her perfect diction in her native language. The delightful story of the fishes celebrating the birth of Jesus by dancing in the river is naturally a favourite in Spain and South America - but also a joy for English audiences too.
The French section of the recital began with audience participation in "Les Anges dans nos Campagne" (We have heard angels in heaven) by James Cadwick. Claudia sang the first two verses in French, but many other voices joined in, not wanting to wait for the English verses to follow. And all boomed out in Latin "Gloria in Excelsis Deo". The French theme continued with Claudia's delightful rendition of 'Minuit Chrétiens" (O Holy Night) by Adolphe Adam, with additional verses in English.
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"That was how the First Christmas Began"
Soprano: Claudia Álvarez Calderón
Piano: Margaret Merrington
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After the interval Margaret Merrington returned, by popular demand, to give a repeat performance of the carol "That was how the First Christmas Began" which she introduced at last year's concert. This piece was almost lost in a house fire, shortly before the death of the composer, Margaret's husband Tom Merrington.
Particularly moving was the charred remnant of Tom's composition, which was saved from the blaze. With Margaret's ingenuity, this is now a popular carol in Totnes. As Margaret played the melody, and Claudia sang the words, the audience joined in as well - although it wasn't really their turn. As more voices joined in, the sound swelled to a joyous celebration of Tom's work.
Appropriately, the next carol was "On Christmas Night all Christians Sing" arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Marked 'audience participation', this was also a chance to hear a familiar hymn sung perfectly by Claudia.
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"Salve Maria"
Claudia Álvarez Calderón
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The same theme was also worked by Franz Schubert as "Ellen's Third Song" in his setting of Walter Scott's "The Lady of the Lake". This Latin "Ave Maria" sounds so natural when Claudia sings it, and is instantly familiar to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Having sung a little in French, the audience were then able to try out their Latin in "Adeste Fideles" by John Francis Wade. The English version followed, with Claudia harmonising from the stage, the perfect accompaniment.
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"Los Peces en el Río"
Claudia Álvarez Calderón
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Many thanks to Claudia and all the performers for a spectacular and enchanting end to an enthralling concert. Proceeds, as always, will go to the Church's adopted orphanage in Anjara, Jordan, Our Lady of the Mount Children's Home. Recordings will appear on future "Classical Journey" programmes on Phonic FM and Soundart Radio, and Claudia herself will be in the Soundart studio in person this Monday with David Stanley to discuss their music, and play us a live performance. (Classical Journey Redux, 1-3pm Monday 17 December, Soundart Radio 102.5 FM soundartradio.org.uk)
Friday, 16 December 2016
Amazi Trio give the final Glenorchy Lunchtime Concert for this year Wednesday 7 December 2016 Seventeen more concerts lined up for 2017
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| The Amazi Trio Violin: Cecilia Griffiths Lamon Piano: Marisa Rayner 'Cello: Annabel Rooney |
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Amazi Trio
Violin: Cecilia Griffiths-Lamon Piano: Marisa Rayner
'Cello: Annabel Rooney
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Through all the fire and fury of the strings, the delicate precision of Marisa Rayner's piano playing shone through with consistency, reliability and her own determined musical passion. The piano took the part of the whole orchestra - and made a very lovely thing of it. Marisa's solid performance continued in their main piece, Mozart's Trio K542. Cecilia's introductory description sustained the excitement of the Vivaldi, while preparing the audience for a more extended exposition of musical excellence.
There were also three further delightful bagatelles to fill out the programme. Schubert's Entr'acte from 'Rosamunde' was followed by 'Jealousy' by Jacob Gade. As Cecilia promised, the music perfectly portrayed that green-eyed monster - and could not be interpreted any other way. Just to hammer the story home, Cecilia began distributing red roses during the performance - first to her husband, Claude Lamon (familiar from his trumpet performances in many local performances), and then to other men in the audience with fickle abandon.
Any sense of conflict created during 'Jealousy' was quickly dispelled with a joyous and entertaining performance of Smetana's 'Dance of the Comedians' from 'The Bartered Bride' - returning to the wild excitement of the concert's opening with sensational pizzicato, and arco, cadenzas for Cecilia and Annabel. Marisa's musical pagination seemed to get increasingly complicated as the recital progressed with several back-tracks and skipped passages. Throughout all of this, her determined concentration was coupled with obvious passion and pleasure in the music. A joy to watch, and a fabulous sound.
The larger than usual audience were hugely impressed by the whole exercise, and loved every minute. In a fit of stellar generosity, the trio had one more piece to offer as a final encore. Annabel introduced Marisa's own piano trio arrangement of - a mystery piece. Intriguingly familiar, the music was quickly recognised as the sultry opening theme to an ITV comedy series from the early 'nineties - Anne Dudley's 'Jeeves and Wooster'. What fun! The audience, who were already enraptured by the main programme, were further enamored with this new ensemble as they enjoyed this 'splendid finale'.
David Lee expressed what everyone was thinking, when he said that the Amazi Trio will be very welcome, whenever they are able to make a return visit. Let's hope they do.
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| An incandescent violinist: Cecilia Griffiths-Lamon A passionate pianist and composer: Marisa Rayner A sensational 'cellist: Annabel Rooney The Amazi Trio |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Spring 2017
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| Piano: Ruth Smit |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 4 January 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO RECITAL
Piano: Ruth Smit
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Chris Gradwell |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 11 January 12 for 12.30pm
SAXOPHONE/CLARINET & GUITAR
Saxophones/Clarinets: Chris Gradwell
Guitar: Andrew Barrett
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Alex West |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 18 January 12 for 12.30pm
ORGAN & PIANO RECITAL
Organ/Piano: Alex West
Admission FREE Retiring Collectio
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| Tony Yeates |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 25 January 12 for 12.30pm
EXETER SINGERS
Musical Director: Tony Yeates
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Phil Bonser |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 1 February 12 for 12.30pm
CLARINET RECITAL
Clarinet: Phil Bonser
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Tim Othen |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 8 February 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO RECITAL
Piano: Tim Othen
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Dr Robert Manning |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Wednesday 15 February 12 for 12.30pm
ORGAN RECITAL
Organ: Robert Manning
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Alan Williams |
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 22 February 12 for 12.30pm
THE SIDMOUTH ORCHESTRA
Musical Director: Alan Williams
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Clifton String Trio |
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 1 March 12 for 12.30pm
THE CLIFTON STRING TRIO
Violin: Julie Hill
Viola: Emma Welton
'Cello: Annabel Rooney
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Anna Cockroft |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 8 March 12 for 12.30pm
VIOLIN & ACCORDION
Violin: Anna Cockroft
Piano Accordion: Pam Canter
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Jill Govier |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 15 March 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO DUETS
Piano: David Lee
Piano: Jill Govier
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| An-Ting Chang |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 22 March 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO RECITAL
Piano: An-Ting Chang
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Quorum |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 29 March 12 for 12.30pm
QUORUM
Soprano: Janet Macdonald
Piano: Margaret Chave, Dorothy Raven
Clarinet: Phil Bonser
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Joyce Clarke |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 5 April 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO RECITAL
Piano: Joyce Clarke
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Arturo Serna |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 12 April 12 for 12.30pm
'CELLO RECITAL
'Cello: Arturo Serna
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Duncan Honeybourne |
Glenorchy Lunchtime Concerts
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 19 April 12 for 12.30pm
PIANO RECITAL
Piano: Duncan Honeybourne
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
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| Beacon Piano Trio |
Glenorchy Church Exmouth
Wednesday 26 April 12 for 12.30pm
BEACON PIANO TRIO
Piano: Joyce Clarke
Violin: Anna Cockroft
'Cello: Ruth Lass
Admission FREE Retiring Collection
Monday, 12 December 2016
"Joyful Christmas" Claudia Álvarez Calderón Catholic Church of St Mary & St George Totnes Saturday 17 December 2016
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| Soprano: Claudia Álvarez Calderón Piano/Composition: Margaret Merrington |
PROGRAMME
1. David Stanley: "Puer Natus in Bethlehem"
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| Vihuela: |
Latin hymn with David Stanley on vihuela
English words: James Chadwick - audience participation
2. Michael Praetorius: "Es ist ein Ros' Entsprungen"
(A Noble Flower of Juda) German carol
3. Max Reger: Mariä Wiegenlied (Mary's Lullaby)
4. John Francis Wade: "Adeste Fideles"
(O Come all ye Faithful) with audience participation
5. Nahum Tate: "While Shepherds Watched"
Winchester carol - with audience participation
6. Fermín María Álvarez: "Plegaria" (Prayer)
7. Traditional: "Los Peces en el Río"
(The Fishes in the River) Spanish carol
8. Traditional: "Les Anges dans nos Campagne"
(Angels we have heard in heaven) French carol
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| Piano/Organ: Father Kristian Paver |
9. Adolphe Adam: "Minuit, Chrétiens" (O Holy Night)
------------interval--------------
10. Tom Merrington: "That was how the first Christmas Began"
Piano: Margaret Merrington - audience participation
11. Ralph Vaughan Williams:
"On Christmas Night all Christians Sing" - audience participation
12. St Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori: "Tu Scendi dalle Stelle"
(You Descend from the Stars) Italian carol
13. Saverio Mercadante: "Salve Maria"
14. Franz Schubert: "Ave Maria"
15. Franz Xaver Gruber: "Stille Nacht"
(Silent Night) - with audience participation
Tickets: £7
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
Substance & Shadow Theatre present "Brexit Club" Nathan Simpson & Midge Mullin return as Len Silver & Melvyn Gould in Exeter: Cygnet New Theatre Friday 3 February Barnfield Theatre Monday & Thursday 6 & 9 February 2017
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| Brexit Club Nathan Simpson is Leonard Silver Midge Mullin is Melvyn Gould (Photography: Ben Tallamy) |
A tale of intolerance, alienation and Findus crispy pancakes!!!
It's the 23rd June 2016 - the day of the Euro Referendum and just another lunch time
in the works canteen for cousins Len Silver and Melvyn Gould and their colleagues,
but beneath their love of haute cuisine and jovial banter there's trouble brewing.
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| "What we have here is a failure to communicate." (Photography: Ben Tallamy) |
Sid Vishnu's lentil Dahl and Don Beattie's bangers and mash are emblems of a
nation divided!
A family is torn apart by politics, but in the cold light of the referendum
hangover, whether leave or remain - will lunchtimes ever be the same again?
Is
Brexit really the best thing since sliced bread, will cousins Len and Melvyn manage
to bridge the great divide, or will they be left crying over spilt milk?
Substance and Shadow Theatre present a black comedy that will have you chewing over
the remains of Brexit and deciding on a full English or continental!
Phonic FM: "Midge and Rosie Mullin, and all the team members, work tirelessly in every spare
hour, to ensure a steady stream of impressive plays. Classic writing, like Pinter's "Dumb Waiter" and Brenton's "Christie in Love", have benefited from the Substance and
Shadow treatment, while their own home-spun yarns, such as "Skin Deep" and "Duplicity",
can be relied on to take an audience on a unique voyage into the unexpected."
Exepose Magazine: "Substance & Shadow's experimental approach to storytelling really pays off, the end result being a gripping evening which is both entertaining and thought provoking. I
believe that Substance and Shadow Theatre make a valuable contribution to the arts scene in the
city."
Substance & Shadow on Facebook
Substance & Shadow Theatre
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| Leonard Silver: Nathan Simpson Melvyn Gould: Midge Mullin |
Friday 3 February 7pm & 8.30pm
BREXIT CLUB
Producers/Directors/Writers:
Rosie & Midge Mullin
Leonard Silver: Natham Simpson
Melvyn Gould: Midge Mullin
Tickets: £8
Box Office: 01392 277189
Online: WeGot Tickets 7pm/8.30pm
(Repeated Barnfield Theatre 6&9 Feb)
Substance & Shadow Theatre
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Melvyn Gould: Midge Mullin
Leonard Silver: Nathan Simpson
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Thursday 9 February 7.30pm
BREXIT CLUB
Producers/Directors/Writers:
Rosie & Midge Mullin
Leonard Silver: Natham Simpson
Melvyn Gould: Midge Mullin
Tickets: £8
Box Office: 01392 271808
(10am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat)
Online: Barnfield Website Mon/Thur
Wednesday, 30 November 2016
Paul Stock Conducts Clyst Valley Choral Society's "Concert of British Music" Soprano Janet Macdonald St Margaret's Church Topsham Holy Trinity Church Exmouth Saturday/Sunday 19/20 November 2016
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| Clyst Valley Choral Society Musical Director: Paul Stock (Photography: Nicky Perry) |
In their now-familiar concert schedule, the Clyst Valley gave two concerts on the weekend of 26th November. The first was at St Margaret's Church in Topsham on Saturday evening, followed by a repeat performance at Holy Trinity Church in Exmouth the following night.
Their "Concert of British Music" began with a delightful sinfonia by Paul Stock's baroque ensemble. George Frideric Handel's "Arrival of the Queen of Sheba" from his oratorio setting of Moses Mendes' "Solomon". The oratorio was composed while Handel was working for the the Duke of Bedfordshire in Dublin. This very British, and very international, opening set the scene perfectly for an evening of beautiful music. Mandy Fishleigh and Marcus Carson stood out particularly with their sweet flute duets punctuating each orchestra phrase.
The task of leading the orchestra is shared between Sally Bull and Chris Gould. Chris also doubles as trumpetter for the more triumphant pieces. His clarion sound was immediately employed in another, earlier, work by Handel - from the oratorio "Samson". With Mark Perry playing the organ (without orchestra), and Chris Gould adding a ringing trumpet line, Janet Macdonald sang the rousing "Let the bright Seraphim in burning row, their loud uplifted Angle-trumpets blow." The combined sound filled the church with spectacular baroque beauty.
After a brief hiatus, Mark Perry reappeared at the foot of the organ-loft stairs and resumed playing at the grand piano. In stark contrast to the two opening numbers, the choir and orchestra now performed a series of songs from John Rutter's gentle suite "The Sprig of Thyme". These light-hearted folk-songs were lovingly performed, with the themes passing lightly between the different sections of the choir, and the different instruments.
During the Tyneside coal-shippers' ballad "The Keel Row", the deep and serious sound of Ben Lund-Conlon's bass trombone started to appear. Ben is a young man of extraordinary talent, not only a talented percussionist but also a very moving brass player as well.
The orchestra changed the mood again with a return to the music of Handel. The famous "Water Music" suite is from an earlier period of his life when, only a year after relocating to England at the invitation of Queen Anne, she was succeeded by Handel's former patron Georg Ludwig, Elector of the Duchy of Brunswick and Lüneburg - who became King George I of Great Britain.
Handel re-established himself in the new King's favour with this regal entertainment for the procession of the King's flotilla down the Thames. In 2012 the same music accompanied King George's six-times great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II on her own Diamond Jubilee procession down the Thames.
The carrying power of this light nautical composition was provided by the bass sound of Ben Lund-Conlon's trombone and Sue Stock's 'cello. Interspersed between the airy string sections where Rebecca Jackson and Nicola Smith provided 2nd violin and viola respectively, Mandy Fishleigh and Marcus Carson were joined by clarinettist Philip Bonser in delightful cameos for woodwind - but still with the deeper sound of Ben's trombone.
In a very neat transition, the orchestra and choir moved on to a setting of Psalm 122 by Thomas Attwood, "I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the Lord". This music was composed for the Coronation of King George's great-great grandson George IV. The opening sinfonia was immediately recognisable, as the theme of 'God Save the King' - picked up beautifully by Phil Bonser on clarinet.
This music was much more grandiose than the Water Music, and Ben Lund-Conlon moved to tympani, with Chris taking up his trumpet for a very regal performance.
After the interval the coronation theme, with drums and trumpet, continued with Ralph Vaughan Williams' setting of Psalm 100, "All People that on Earth do Dwell", composed for the Coronation of Elizabeth II.
Throughout both hymns, it was noticeable that there were only two tenor singers, hugely outnumbered by the basses. Paul Stock explained that in fact none of the choir's tenors had been able to attend. The tenor line was being sung by two of the regular basses, Philip and Keith. A remarkable achievement. To give them some respite, the next piece was Samuel Wesley's hymn "Blessed be the God and Father" composed for Easter Evensong at Hereford Cathedral in 1834 - when there had also been a complete absence of tenor singers - and sopranos.
The only single lines are for basses, where all the men were able to sing in unison, and for trebles - sung as a high solo by the Clyst Valley soprano soloist Janet Macdonald. Ben Lund-Conlon's kettle-drums provided a driving rhythm and rousing finale to this very appropriate choral piece.
Mark Perry, who had been playing solidly on the piano throughout the choral pieces, now had a chance to demonstrate his keyboard skills in a solo exposition for organ. His choice, the Crown Imperial March composed for the Coronation of George VI in 1937 by William Walton, was originally an orchestral piece but is equally moving as an organ arrangement. Mark played mostly in the upper register keeping the sound airy and light. Even the regal march was light on the bass. A lovely interlude - regal, but gentle.
The gentle feel of the concert continued with the remainder of John Rutter's choral suite "The Sprig of Thyme". Janet Macdonald sang one more soprano solo in "The Cuckoo", and the suite ended with the timeless poetry of Robert Burns, "Sweet Afton" evoking the rolling country of his beloved home county of Ayreshire.
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| Paul Stock conducts the Clyst Valley Choral Society 'Cello: Sue Stock, Viola: Nicola Smith, 2nd Violin: Rebecca Jackson, Trumpet: Chris Gould, 1st Violin: Sally Bull, Flutes: Mandy Fishleigh & Marcus Carson Soprano Soloist: Janet Macdonald Tympani & Bass Trombone: Ben Lund-Conlon Organ & Piano: Mark Perry |
Paul Stock was impassioned at the rostrum, drawing the most out of all the performers right up to the climactic closing words.
This was a magnificent two nights of music, and there will be more in April next year when Paul Stock will conduct the choir and orchestra in more British classics. John Rutter's music will feature again, when the choir sing his suite of spirituals, "Feel the Spirit". This time, Kate Lees will be singing the soprano solos. There will also be baritone solos in Charles Villiers Stanford's 1904 setting of John Newbolt's nautical poems "Songs of the Sea".
Many thanks to Musical Director Paul Stock, Soprano Soloist Janet Macdonald, Orchestra Leader Sally Bull and all the members of the orchestra and choir, who work so hard to provide such a wealth of beautiful music for listeners in Devon. Rehearsals continue at St Mary's Church in Clyst St Mary every Thursday evening from 7.30 to 9.15pm. New members are always welcome - to sing in any voice.
Clyst Valley Choral Society
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| Clyst Valley Choral Society Musical Director: Paul Stock |
St Margaret's Church Topsham
Saturday 29 April 7.30pm
Holy Trinity Church Exmouth
Sunday 30 April 7.30pm
SPRING CONCERT
Musical Director: Paul Stock
Orchestra Leader: Sally Bull
Soprano Soloist: Kate Lees
Charles Villiers Stanford: "Songs of the Sea"
John Rutter: "Feel the Spirit"
Tickets: £10 (advance £8)
Advance Booking: 01392 271858
Topsham Bookshop: 01392 877895
Clyst Valley Choral Society Website
Monday, 21 November 2016
Andrew Daldorph & East Devon Choral Society Rossini "Stabat Mater" & Puccini "Messa di Gloria" Lucy Bray, Alison Kettlewell, John Pierce, Tim Mirfin Saint Paul's Church Tiverton Saturday 19 November 2016
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| Andrew Daldorph East Devon Choral Society |
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| East Devon Choral Society & Orchestra Leader: Fiona McLean-Buechel |
Since the East Devon Choral Society's triumphant performance of Gabriel Faure's "Requiem in D Minor" and Hubert Parry's "Blest Pair of Sirens" in May (see details), their Music Director, Andrew Daldorph, has been working with the choir to prepare two more wonderful works.
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| Soprano: Lucy Bray Alto: Alison Kettlewell Tenor: John Pierce Bass: Tim Mirfin |
In a change from the usual EDCS venue of Tiverton Baptist Church, the audience were treated to the new look upholstered seating of St Paul's. The wider sanctuary comfortably accommodated the choir, while the orchestra spread out from the nave into the aisles. Colin Pettit was playing the grand piano instead of the organ, and the orchestra had the muscular addition of John Cullimore's tuba, last seen at St Paul's for Andrew Daldorph's production of Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" in 2011.
Leading once again, was Fiona McLean-Buechel, with EMG Symphony Orchestra Leader Clare Smith at second desk. Fiona, among her other commitments, now teaches violin and viola as Lead Tutor for Strings at Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London.
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| Operatic Mezzosoprano Alison Kettlewell with voice student Lucy Bray Newton St Cyres 27 August 2013 |
Also joining us was former Exeter School student, and now fourth year Trinity Laban undergraduate, Lucy Bray. Lucy Bray has also been a Choral Scholar at Buckfast Abbey, and won Penny Adie's Two Moors Festival 'Platform Competition' in the 2012. In 2013 Lucy took time out from her studies to join Andrew Daldorph for a concert of song at the Church of St Cyr & St Julitta in Newton St Cyres.
Gioachino Rossini: "Stabat Mater"
Giving an amazing display of vocal skill in the first half of the concert, Lucy sang in duet during the "Stabat Mater" by Gioachino Rossini, with her former Exeter School vocal coach Alison Kettlewell (herself an amazingly accomplished international opera star). Lucy's voice was extraordinarily powerful and expressive, with an impressively mature sound. Alison's mezzosoprano voice complemented Lucy's with incredible depth and sensitivity. The reunion of teacher and student was a joy to hear.
Down the scale, the tenor arias were provided by Royal Northern College graduate and up-and-coming opera star John Pierce. John engaged the audience immediately with his operatic stage presence, and sang with incredible force and passion. Tim Mirfin, now a familiar voice at EDCS concerts, added his redolent bass voice in aria - and highly expressive recitative accompanied by the choir - and the bells of St Peter's Church striking eight.
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| Vice Chair: Sue North & Vic North present bouquets |
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| The welcome return of Lucy Bray |
Following a delightfully sensitive mezzosoprano cavatina by Alison Kettlewell, the choir accompanied Lucy in a gorgeous final aria before ending Rossini's "Stabat Mater" in style with two rousing choruses. The tragic scene depicted throughout the piece, of Mary's devastating bereavement, was turned to joy in the promise of Paradise, before the protracted and inspiring "In sempiterna saeculia, Amen."
As Alison and Lucy bowed out, their outstanding work completed for the evening, EDCS Vice-Chair Sue North stepped forward to present them both with well-deserved congratulatory bouquets - allowing the audience to show their appreciation fully for choir and soloists in a protracted round of applause.
Giacomo Puccini: "Messa di Gloria"
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| " Messa di Gloria" Tenor: John Pierce Bass: Tim Mirfin |
Puccini's "Messa di Gloria" opens with a sweetly delicate "Kyrie" for choir, which was beautifully introduced by Fiona's orchestra. With the soprano and alto voices to the fore, and gentle support fromt the men, the traditional plea for mercy became increasingly impassioned - with the insistent addition of Steve Douglas' kettle drums, before being led sweetly back to delicate entreaty by Fiona's string section. Andrew's preparation had been faultless, and the scene was set perfectly.
The almost cinematic "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" was pitched high for the women, creating a false sense of calm - quickly dispelled by the ensuing tumult of voices with powerful support from the orchestra. Each rousing crescendo gave way, surprisingly, to sudden subtle gentleness, which was perfectly controlled by Andrew - and demonstrated the impressive dynamic range of the choir.
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| Andrew Daldorph conducts East Devon Choral Society (video still: Mike Brett) |
With the barest accompaniment of plucked strings and gentle tympani, the choir continued with a march-like "Qui Tollis" in the distinctive romantic style of Puccini. Trevor Ives' horns, with the trumpets of Paul Thomas and Claude Lamon, beefed up by John Cullimore's tuba, added to the impressively regimented sound.
Following a climactic, and apparently final, "Amen" the action stopped abruptly. Extensive retuning took place in the orchestra. Fully back in tune, the orchestra were then ready for more. The choir launched into a feverishly energetic "Credo". The swooping voices of the sopranos and altos were echoed by the strings - skilfully held under by Fiona and Andrew.
Suddenly, the tenor voice of John Pierce joined the choir in a sensitive duet, "Et incarnatus". Holding back the power, John tenderly accompanied the choir, before giving way to Tim Mirfin's baritone "Crucifixus". Tim sang incredibly soulfully, recalling the tragic story of Rossini's "Stabat Mater" in the first half of the concert.
A portentious quickening of the strings indicated the return of the choir. The good news of the "Et resurrexit" started with soft reassurance before expanding outrageously into an overwhelmingly energetic expression of faith. Almost as an aside, the closing words of the creed brought the Nicene theology to a controlled conclusion, but still with some residual power provided by the brass and tympani.
The "Sanctus" was much gentler, but still lively, followed by a doleful baritone "Benedictus" from Tim Mirfin, and an energetic "Hosanna in excelsis" from the choir.
The "Agnus Dei" brought all the glorious ingredients together finally in an unexpected and extremely satisfying way. John opened very gently, echoed by the choir, before Tim repeated the performance for "Miserere Nobis". Finally John and Tim sang together in impressive harmony in the reprise, leading to the final soft-landing of "Dona nobis pacem" from the choir.
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| Leader & Conductor: Fiona McLean-Buechel & Andrew Daldorph |
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| Wine for the Soloists John Pierce & Tim Mirfin |
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| . . . and the conductor: Andrew Daldorph |
Once again, the East Devon Choral Society have staged a brilliantly chosen, conceived and executed programme of music. The visiting instrumentalists and vocal soloists were exceptional, and the choir, as always, a pleasure to see and hear. Credit must go to Andrew Daldorph for the preparation and execution - and to the EDCS Committee for the tireless work which goes into bringing such splendid music to the public.
Not content to rest on their laurels, Andrew Daldorph and the East Devon Choral Society are already planning something even more spectacular for spring 2017. They will be back at the Baptist Church on Saturday 25 March to perform Bach's "St John Passion".
That will be a concert not to be missed. I can hear that opening chorus already . . .
Not content to rest on their laurels, Andrew Daldorph and the East Devon Choral Society are already planning something even more spectacular for spring 2017. They will be back at the Baptist Church on Saturday 25 March to perform Bach's "St John Passion".
That will be a concert not to be missed. I can hear that opening chorus already . . .
 |
| East Devon Choral Society |
East Devon Choral Society
Tiverton Baptist Church
Saturday 25 March 7.30pm
J S BACH "ST JOHN PASSION"
Musical Director: Andrew Daldorph
Tickets: TBA
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| Soprano Soloist & Orchestra Leader Lucy Bray & Fiona McLean-Buechel |
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