FURNESS Bach Choir's concert of Haydn's Maria Theresa Mass and Mozart's Requiem attracted a large audience, which was treated to a thrilling performance.
The choir and orchestra were scintillating under the insightful and assured direction of Anthony Milledge, one of South Cumbria's most experienced conductors.
Seven singers from the choir were joined in the solos by tenor Gitai Fisher, whose unwavering beauty of tone was perfect for the ensemble.
All the soloists sang well, blending excellently in quartets and shining in their own solo passages.
The 21-piece orchestra, led by Roland Fudge, created a stylish, responsive sound: the strings by turns delicate and incisive, wind and brass adding colour and depth.
The trio of trombones showed particular stamina and panache in the Requiem.
The star of the show was undoubtedly the Furness Bach Choir itself, under Anthony Milledge's direction. With singers aged from 13 to 90, the choir showed exhilarating energy.
Their alert concentration enabled the emotions of the music to come through, sometimes sparkling, sometimes searing.
Their superb delivery of the Dies Irae in Mozart's Requiem merits special commendation, but the whole performance was sensational.
Mary Simpson
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