Recent Concerts

Here was a concert that took everyone back in time, to the days of our youth and the Golden Era of the Broadway Musicals. All the pieces reflected the thoughts and aspirations of the people in their time through the genius of the lyricists and the composers. No wonder the audience revelled in the feast of voluptuous sounds from choir and orchestra who also excelled themselves to while away a summer’s evening in Bury.

In the singing of the Merry Widow by Franz Lehar, the operetta reminded us of the singing of Richard Tauber. The music being derived from the fringe benefits of Vienna’s rich illustrious past, through Beethoven. Mozart and Schubert. The chorus were in good voice.

The music from the Savoy Operas still resonates with us and we were rewarded with snippets from Ruddigore and the Mikado.” The Ghost’s High Noon” and “Titwillow together with “The Sun, whose Rays are all Ablaze” sung with eloquence and charm.

All the soloists acquitted themselves with flair through their undoubted musicianship and choice of items to link in with this evenings theme.

First, Patricia Chippendale playing the ‘Waltz’ from Tom Jones by Edward German on oboe. Pat and Harry Butterworth entranced us with ‘Ladies in Lavender’ by Hess and later in the programme by a violin solo from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ by Offenbach. It was also good to welcome Maurice Rushby, almost a regular to the societies’ concerts singing, in fine form, the ‘Toreador Song’ from Carmen by Bizet and the ‘Sentry’s Song’ from Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. Indeed, with his commanding presence, excellent voice and clear diction it was noticed that the audience sat up straight and listened!

The Andantino Singers continue to delight us with their tenderness and restraint especially in the ‘Elizabethan Serenade’ by Ronald Binge. Here one must mention the beautiful flute playing to introduce the Serenade which somehow set the tone admirably. Later in the programme Brian Milligan joined them by singing ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin the Boat‘.

Another delightful pleasure came when Wendy Porter sang ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ followed by ‘I Could have Danced All Night’. No doubt every one could also listen to her all night she is such a lovely singer.

Finally, one must congratulate Ian and Janice Lewis for their performance, singing from Richard Rogers ‘Oklohoma’. After such a lovely concert the audience must have gone home singing snippets from the shows and tapping their feet in the car. All thanks to Musical Director Barry Sugden who works tirelessly for the Society in making musical arrangements to suit both choir and orchestra giving pleasure to all in abundance.

Apollo.

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Review 1 “Messiah”

Handel like Purcell, knew no amateur chorus societies. His choruses were of professionals and the soprano parts were sung by boys, the altos by men. The choruses in Handel’s day were habitually smaller than his orchestra. His oratorios were played in theatres, never in churches, except for some late performances of Messiah at the Foundling Hospital in London.

Here we are then at the Bolton Road Methodist Church in Bury with an amateur choir and orchestra ready to perform a masterpiece that never seems to lose its appeal through its message, an interpretation of the Christian view of the Messiah. Before a note had been sounded an air of expectancy was evident as the audience awaited the overture to proclaim the genius of Handel.

The soloists on this occasion were Suzanne Mather Soprano, Karen Bowers Contralto, Trefor Davis Tenor and Maurice Rushby Baritone. Handel gave them all opportunities for beautiful compassionate singing which they fulfilled admirably. Trefor Davies was singing for the first time with the Society and it was soon evident that he is an artist who serves the composer extremely well through his excellent voice and understanding of the music in hand. It was a great pleasure therefore that he set the tone for the work as a whole singing at the outset “Every Valley shall be exalted”. Maurice was in good form and his rich voice stirred our hearts especially when he sang “Why do the nations rage” at a resounding pace and tempo. The ladies too sang well and sympathetically with the right depth and intensity of feeling in the beautiful arias that Handel wrote for them. The performance of the work was a fine achievement for the Society. It showed how they can rise to meet the challenge. Perhaps the best feature of the evening was the chorus-singing which was robust and rhythmical, “Glory to God” went splendidly, its counterpoint surging along with irresistible power. The choir seemed better balanced than hitherto with the men holding their own against the singing of the blissful sopranos, always a pleasure.

The orchestra also played no small part in the production as a whole. Much of the playing was neat and tidy although careful observation of light and shade in some of the choruses would have heightened the dramatic effect. However, it was deeply satisfying hearing the sounds of organ, voices and orchestra in combination. It was evident that Barry had rehearsed both choir and orchestra thoroughly. The society were grateful to all who came to swell the ranks in the orchestra especially the young trumpeter Chris Parsons who played “The trumpet shall sound” with panache.

Apollo

Review 2 “Messiah success for Ramsbottom Choral Society”

On the 27th March 2010, Ramsbottom Choral Society played Handel’s Messiah to an appreciative audience at Bolton Road Methodist Church. The great work was played with confidence and as a result was an enormous success.

Supported by past and present students of Bury Music Service, the orchestra and choir grew to 90 in number. This provided the huge sound required to show the grandeur with which Messiah was written. The trumpet solo was played magnificently by Chris Parsons, an ex-music centre student now studying music in order to pursue a professional music career. The orchestra was led by Susan Crosdale and conducted by Barry Sugden.

The soloists, soprano Suzanne Mather, contralto Karen Bowers, tenor Trefor Davies and baritone Maurice Rushby all sang beautifully and brought Handel’s word-painting to life.

The sense of community within the concert peaked when the audience spontaneously stood for the Hallelujah Chorus, in the tradition of King George II. Hopefully, our audience rose from being so moved by the performance rather than to relieve the discomfort caused by gout as George II is rumoured to have done!

In the next concert, the society will be performing Songs from the Shows. This is a lighter programme than Messiah but no less enjoyable for it. See you then!

H.F.

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