CONCERT REVIEWS

Spring Concert 12 April 2008
St John's Church Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich
  Review for Ipswich Evening Star, by Ferial Evans

J S Bach: Motet – O Praise the Lord
Anton Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor
Johannes Brahms: A German Requiem

We were off to a flourishing start in full choral splendour; the Choir with just the organ accompaniment, played by Stephen Hogger, sang Bach’s ‘Motet – O praise the Lord’ with elation. This joyful presentation expressed Bach’s mastery of counterpoint and his exultant style.

Dvorák’s ‘Symphony No. 7 in D Minor’ is a challenging work but this orchestra handled it skilfully. This is arguably, considered to be Dvorák’s finest work and is typical in being exciting and invigorating yet melodious and pastoral. Dvorák wanted to break away from the influences of his Bohemian background but there are distinct intonations of his homeland in the score. This was manifest in the Orchestra’s pulsating performance.

Brahms’s Requiem for choir and orchestra was performed with depth and spirit. This is choral music at its finest and shows intensity of emotion in the heart of Brahms. This interpretation from Orchestra and Choir was masterly. Baritone, Mark Saberton in rich and sonorous voice was superb in conveying the spirit of the work. Soprano, Julie Roberts, sang in clear Crystal tone with a soft choral accompaniment as a diamond ring on a velvet cushion.

Conducted by Christopher Phelps and led by Steve Browne, Orchestra and Choir gave their hearts and souls to a joyful performance. They were a large group for a comparatively small venue but it worked splendidly with sound touching the rafters, the walls and the pillars and absorbing the space in lovely music. They played to a highly appreciative and capacity audience.                                        Ferial Evans

1 March 2008 , 7.30pm
Baroque ‘n’ Roll at St Peter’s Church, Sudbury
  A Trianon in the Community Concert, with the Trianon Strings and Singers

On a bright, though chilly, afternoon 40 Trianon members arrived at St Peter’s for a quick run-through of the evening’s programme followed by delicious homemade refreshments (tea, sandwiches, yummy chocolate cake and more….mmmmmm).

This was the first of the 2008 community concerts, for which the programme was a lively mix of carefully chosen music which included; madrigals by Thomas Morley, Handel’s Concerto Gross in B minor, A Sinatra Showcase arranged by Stommen and a superb finale performed by the strings of Strauss’ Pizzicato Polka. Chris Green was in fine form as he conducted the concert, offering interesting, often witty, links between each piece.

Sadly, despite the fine music, enthusiastic performers and excellent venue, the audience numbers were low. However, this did make it easier to thank those who came individually as they left, many of whom said how much they had enjoyed the evening.
You will have one final chance to enjoy Baroque ‘n’ Roll at the next community concert on Saturday 17 May 2008 , 7.30pm at Henley Community Centre (in aid of St Peter’s Church, Henley). Advance ticket reservations (£6) are recommended: telephone 01473 831463.

For full programme details click here

Review by the programme selling/page turner aka Andrew Smith

If you would like to help out at future community concerts please telephone Pauline Smith on 01359 221934 or email pauline@lavenderbarn.co.uk