FEW local choral societies can muster the necessary forces to mount a performance of Bruckner's large-scale Mass in F minor - that Ulverston Choral Society can was proved by the performance given in Ulverston Parish Church.

This well-disciplined choir, ably directed by conductor Heather Paynes, and supported by an excellent team of soloists with orchestral support from the Mowbray Orchestra, gave a powerful account of the work. Bruckner's climaxes were thrilling - with few exceptions, the choir managed to produce a big sound without loss of vocal control; the sopranos soared with apparent ease up to the top of their range and produced lovely tone in quiet passages.

Right from the start it was obvious that this was a well-trained choir - the choir's opening phrase was sung with precision and attack, but beautifully shaped as demanded by the composer. Intonation was good throughout the evening.

Handel's setting of the Te Deum sung after the interval was less successful. Here, tempi were rather sluggish and the choral sound was too heavy. A more clearly articulated style from the orchestra and a generally brisker tempo would have helped to give the performance more buoyancy.

The four soloists, Rachel Little, soprano; Audrey McKirdy, contralto; Richard Ireland, tenor; and Balcarras Crafoord, bass, gave a good account of their respective solo lines and balanced well together as a quartet. The orchestral playing was generally controlled and accurate, and there was some impressive solo playing from section leaders.

Members of the society should be pleased with the standard of their performance as they approach their 160th anniversary season in 2004.

Clive Walkley.

May 29, 2003 12:00