Review of recent concerts

Christmas Classics (December 2000)

Reigate Park Church was packed for Reigate and Redhill Choral Society's concert, ably accompanied by the newly formed Surrey ProMusica.

Redhill105web.jpg (24046 bytes) The programme was a mixture of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and seasonal carols. The centrepiece for the choir was Parts 1 and 3 of the Christmas Oratorio by J S Bach and they rose to the challenge of this piece admirably. The choir sang with great commitment both to text and music, which was delightful.

Musical director Peter Farrant has achieved considerable things with the choir. The sound is excellent (particularly from the men) and the whole choir sings with energy and enjoyment, expressing the full dynamic range of the piece with skill and finesse.

The contrast between the choruses and the shorter chorales was well executed, with some particularly sensitive singing in the third part. Throughout, the choir expressed to the full the wonder of this piece of music.

Of the soloists, the honours must go to the baritone, Scott Belluz. He sang with very considerable confidence and assurance and made very good eye contact with the audience. The same could not be said of the mezzo soprano, Matilda Paulsson, who made very little eye contact. This was a great shame as it made her performance somewhat expressionless and uninteresting.

A special mention for Charles Thompson. The choir and orchestra are fortunate indeed to have such a versatile musician to call upon. As well as playing both the organ and the spinet at various points in the concert, he also sang with the choir.

Charlotte Dee
Surrey Mirror, 'Inside Out', 21 December 2000

For further information: call 01737 772811 or email info@rrcs.org.uk
	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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