Musical tribute marks war anniversary

OLDHAM Choral Society gave a moving performance of “Eternal Light” by composer, choral guru and educator Howard Goodall.

The eclectic work made a moving contribution to the main part of this commemoration: the outbreak of World War One. The society can add this to an impressive requiem repertoire.

Soloists Stephanie Stanway (soprano), Hollie-anne Bangham (mezzo soprano), Simon Crosby Buttle (tenor) and Dean Robinson (bass-baritone) all added professional poise and keen interpretations to the evening while the East Lancs Sinfonia provided effective orchestral backing.

The first half ended with a poignant act of remembrance: “We will remember them” - readings by students from Oldham’s Blue Coat School, songs from the soloists, and playing of the Last Post and Reveille.

The second half comprised Haydn’s “Mass In Time of War”, its triumphal C-major finale “Dona Nobis Pacem” relished by the 130-voice chorus.

The evening also commemorated the newly-reopened concert hall of the Royal Northern College of Music.

The next event is the Oldham Choral Society annual Christmas concert with the Oldham Band (Lees) on Friday, December 19, in Oldham Parish Church at 7.30 pm.

JD