Shrewsbury
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Choral
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Society
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Registered Charity No. 501644 |
Reviews Shropshire Star 25.6.08 - Beautiful moments celebrate Schubert Few composers can equal Schubert's gift for writing good tunes, a fact which was brought home at Shrewsbury Choral Society's concert at St Chad's Church. For this all-Schubert evening the choir was joined by a quartet of of young soloists and the Oswestry Sinfonia, all conducted by Martin Schellenberg. The Mass in G, written when Schubert was a mere 18 year old is a glorious work in which the choir excelled. The Credo was sometimes extrovert, direct and jubilant whilst at other moments we were treated to a moving, reverential hush, especially at the words "And I believe in the Holy Spirit". The Choral Society has benefited from an influx of new voices: their enthusiasm and response to their hard working conductor were very rewarding. Of the soloists, soprano Bridget Kerrison was outstanding. The second choral work the Magnificat in C, also received a fine performance from the choir-indeed their enthusiasm lifted the playing of the orchestra. The evening would have benefited from some re-planning so that we started and finished with a choral work - but this did not detract some beautiful moments. Andrew Petch Shrewsbury Chronicle 27.12.07 - Carols were the perfect winter warmer For their Christmas carol concert Shrewsbury Choral Society were joined by organist Tim Mills and the Mercia Brass Ensemble in a thoughtfully planned programme. A mix of the familiar and novel, instrumental and choral together with some well chosen readings, not to mention a generous portion of audience participation. The choir was on fine form, singing with confidence and accuracy. Their musical director, the charismatic Martin Schellenberg, must be delighted with the standards being reached; he radiates a love and enthusiasm for the music which is infectious both to performers and listeners. Mr Schellenberg had us on our feet singing with tremendous gusto such favourites as Once in Royal David's City but also introduced the Bach's Sleepers Awake which the choir delivered with admirable sensitivity. The programme included music by stalwarts like Ralph Vaughan Williams - the carol The Truth From Above, arrangements by John Rutter and an organ solo, the Holy Boy by John Ireland. The Ireland was played as a solo by Tim Mills in an exemplary performance. It was a delicate, thoughtful work which delighted the audience. The Mercia Brass Ensemble played as their solo a Polish carol which showed what an inspired idea it was to include the group. They also made a contribution to the accompaniment of several carols, some sung by the choir alone, others involving the audience too. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was the fanfare for brass by Sir David Willcocks to precede the carol Hark The Herald Angels Sing which lead us all into some joyful singing. It was the perfect tonic for the Christmas season! Andrew Petch |
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This page was updated 09/11/2008 |
