Closing concert raises roof

THE 60-strong choir produced an impressive dynamic range accompanied by their orchestra throughout this closing event, conducted by the unflappable Harry Butterworth.

The first half of the programme consisted of the Requiem written in 1985 by John Rutter. At 33 minutes, this seven-movement work (with Latin and English words) was quite a long and serious piece for such an occasion.

But Rutter’s essentially uplifting message obviously struck a chord with the audience.

Mirriam Lawton was the impressive soloist in the Pie Jesu and final Lux aeterna. While the Requiem may have put the combined forces through their paces, the audience had really turned out for the second half. Music from the Stage, consisted of the more popular and well-known items, in which compere Martin Roche also came into his own. The change of mood was underlined when the ladies swapped their fetching choral uniform for their even more stunning evening gowns.

The second half opened with three opera choruses: firstly the brief but gutsy Anvil chorus, followed by a lilting performance of Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves. These two items by Verdi were followed by the Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni, again led by Mirriam Lawton from its ‘pious’ opening to its rousing conclusion. There followed a selection of 5 items from the ever-popular The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár. Carol Hunter was superb in Vilja, and was joined by Martin Bradbury in a duet, while Mirriam made a reappearance in a song with Brent Andrews.

The concert finished with a half-hour selection from Les Mis, which included I Dreamed a Dream.