EVERSLEY Choral Union, in conjunction with an invited orchestra, led by Wendy Cann, presented an ambitious programme for its spring concert at Dallam School.

The opening piece was Allegri's The Misere, sung in English. The soloist group, with the exception of the bass, was taken from the choir, and unaccompanied and in a school hall rather in the helpful resonance of a church's acoustic, it was a demanding task for all concerned. However, after an uncertain start, confidence grew, longer legato phrases emerged and rhythmic subtleties settled, allowing the audience to enjoy this beautiful 17th century setting.

The orchestra gave an effective account of Mozart's Jupiter Symphony. Tempi in the outer movements were steady rather than lively, but whilst the spirit was well conveyed, melodic lines tended to be submerged by accompanying figures in tutti passages. There was very sensitive woodwind playing throughout and especially so in the Andante.

The main choral piece was Mozart's Great Mass in C minor. Soloists were Rachel Little, Megan Reed, Stephen Newlove and Allan Smith who, together with the orchestra, gave an overall convincing performance. There was some beautiful singing from Rachel Little in Et Incarnatus, from Megan Read in Laudamus Te and from the solo trio in the Quoniam.

The orchestra accompanied well although in the forte passages certain sections of the choir needed to project more tone.

A bright, fresh sound was produced by the sopranos, the men blended well together and, in all, the choir made a rich sound characterised by clear diction.

The direction was in the capable hands of Stephen Carleston. HP.

April 24, 2003 09:00