Review of recent concerts

Summertime Blues (22nd June 2002)

Following its recent success at the Madeleine in Paris, Reigate & Redhill Choral Society rose to new heights at the Harlequin Theatre (22 June) when they presented four pieces of contemporary music.

Constant Lambert's vibrant piece `The Rio Grande' opened the performance. Set in Brazil, the music conveys a carnival atmosphere and is an apt musical vignette - apart, that is, from any football nuances! The choir followed with `Nobody Knows' as a contrast. This poignant and moving spiritual performed with the baritone John Hancorn blended well with `Porgy and Bess', which followed after the interval.

Christopher Willis on piano what turned out to be a scintillating performance when he played Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto, from memory, alongside the Surrey ProMusica Orchestra.

The Gershwin opera, presented here in a brilliantly arranged concert version, was touchingly executed, particularly by the soprano Katherine Bond who sang so sweetly with partner John Hancorn's baritone. Under the mobile baton of conductor Peter Farrant, the choir gave a very good performance with plenty of light and shade.

Indeed, the audience was transported in turn throughout the evening to the bustle of New York, the Mississippi, and the Rio Grande, as well as experiencing the foreboding depths of Rachmaninov, whose 2nd Piano Concerto was written after a nervous breakdown. At one point, it was even almost as if the orchestra had turned into a jazzy traffic arena with the conductor a traffic policeman in the busy metropolis.

The entire performance was received enthusiastically by a captivated audience and the choir in particular seemed highly proud of their achievement - and rightly so.

J Gordon Scott

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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