Review of recent concerts

A French Connection (March 2000)

RRCSMadeleine.jpg (31816 bytes) There was a distinctly Gallic flavour to Reigate & Redhill Choral Society's recent "French Connection" concert at St Mark's Church, Reigate, with works by Poulenc, Duruflé, Dubois and Vierne making up an attractive programme.

The evening began with Poulenc's Gloria, an optimistic and affirmative setting of familiar liturgical text which was vividly brought to life by the choir. After a slightly uncertain opening, the choir produced a spirited and vibrant performance of great dynamic colour, ranging from richly warm tones in the Laudamus Te to the decisive power of Domine fili unigenite. Tracie Penwarden's creamy soprano voice was perfect in the sensuous Domine Deus, sensitively accompanied by the choir.

The French theme was continued with organ works by Dubois and Vierne, played with flair and dexterity by Simon Dinsdale.

The second half of the concert featured Duruflé's Requiem, dedicated to the memory of the composer's father. Originally written with parts for both organ and orchestra, the composer additionally supplied a reduction for organ alone, and it is this version which was performed.

Under Peter Farrant's energetic and authoritative direction, the choir successfully negotiated the complexity of rapidly changing time signatures in the Libera Me to produce a rendition of thrilling conviction, although in other movements the vast dynamic range of a work scored from ppp to fff was perhaps not always fully realised. Overall, however, the choir coped well with a work which made considerable demands upon them rhythmically and melodically to produce a spirited and moving performance of great sincerity.

Samantha Pistell
Surrey Mirror, 'Inside Out', 30 March 2000

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	Reigate & Redhill Choral Society is affiliated to Making Music: The National Federation of Music Societies and gratefully acknowledges support received from the Borough of Reigate & Banstead Arts Council. Registered Charity No 280195

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