Athenaeum Singers

Saturday 11th November 2023  Remembrance Concert

Most choir concerts at this time of the year are of well known works, but for their Remembrance Concert, the Athenaeum Singers, under the direction of their ambitious young conductor, Thomas Mottershead, had chosen a brave programme of largely unfamiliar music, much of it by relatively unknown composers. It is not easy to engage the audience with new music, but they rose to the challenge and gave a performance with many high points.

When attending a choral concert, one always notices various things such as, are the choir members watching the conductor, do they all come in on time and do they come off on time. The Athenaeum Singers, true to their traditions, always score highly on these points and this concert was no exception. There were moments when the balance of the voices was not perfect, especially in the quieter sections, but all doubts were swept away when they  had the opportunity to open their throats and increase the volume. 

The singers were joined, for this evening, by a highly experienced group of musicians including four professional singers and the newly formed Athenaeum Orchestra. All were ably supported by Stephen Moore on the organ and the piano. The violinist, Jennifer Cleland, as well as leading the orchestra, gave a beautiful performance of Elgars Sospiri accompanied on the piano by Stephen, who also performed George Thalben-Balls Elegy on the organ.

This was very much a concert of two halves. The first half included a number of short choral pieces based on the theme of remembrance” interspersed with the two solo items for violin and organ. The choral items were fairly sombre in tone, with slow tempi and quiet reflective passages. The opening piece was In Flanders Fields by Peter Leech, based on the well known poem by John McCrae. This was unaccompanied and began with the mezzo-soprano soloist, Cardiff born Olivia Gomez, singing the first few lines. After a slightly hesitant start, the choir gained in confidence which did not leave them for the rest of the evening. This was followed by The Souls of the Righteous by the Welsh composer, Geraint Lewis, Geistliches Lied, by Brahms and the anonymous Kontakion of the Departed, taken from Russian Orthodox liturgy.  The final two items in the first half were Afterglow, by Thomas Mottershead, which the choir clearly enjoyed singing and They are at Rest by Elgar. Some of these pieces were unaccompanied, some accompanied by Stephen on organ or piano and one piece by a string quartet from the Athenaeum Orchestra which gave a welcome variety to the programme.

The wine and canapés provided in the interval were much appreciated and with the Saints-Saens Requiem in the second half the choir came into their own. It is a lovely work, and, although we had not heard it before, after the choirs energetic and sympathetic performance we look forward to hearing it again, a comment that we also heard from other members of the audience. 

Keep up the good work Athenaeum. With Thomas as your director challenging you with new material, we are sure you will continue to go from strength to strength.

Particular mention should be made of the bugler, Pte Hayward of The Military Provost Guard Service who opened the evening with The Last Post as a reminder of this special day in the calendar.

Francis & Sue Taylor

 

Saturday 3rd June 2023 Concert

Underneath the Stars

The Athenaeum Singers, directed by Thomas Mottershead, presented ‘Underneath the Stars’ to a large audience at The Minster Church on Saturday 03 June. Eugene O’Neill may well have entitled the evening ‘Long Day’s Journey into Night’ as the occasion was a carefully planned and extensive programme from waking to sleeping with many choral pieces interspersed with music for solo piano and string quartet. 

Thomasarrival as Director is attracting new members and his boyish and engaging enthusiasm for music is already drawing positive responses from the Singers. They are without question enjoying making music with him. 

This was a varied and wide ranging programme for the choir. Perhaps the opening unaccompanied God so loved the worldby Stainer was slightly tentative – a difficult piece to open the programme – and, through the evening, where there was light playing of the chorus parts on piano, had it been that little bit stronger it would have helped boost confidence and secure pitch. 

However, by the time the sun had definitely risen, heralded by a piano accompaniment in David van Kampens lyrical Morning Song, the sopranos lifted the singing onto a new level with a warm, tuneful opening which was reciprocated by the rest of the choir when they too joined the hymn of praise. In Irelands The Hillswhich followed, the Singers also demonstrated a wide dynamic range.

Instrumental interludes were provided by the young Alauda String Quartet, who first met at the Welsh College of Music and Drama. They played four movements from two of Haydns quartets with intelligent musicianship and, especially in The Lark, with well-balanced precision. 

There were also two piano solos - from Thomas who played an immaculately controlled Elegyby John Ireland - and from the choirs rehearsal pianist Douglas Stevens who shared Debussys atmospheric Jardins sous la pluie.

In the second half of the programme, when the Singers had banished all thoughts of sleep and had been revived by interval refreshments, they came into their own. There was better singing through the phrases in My love dwelt in a northern landby Elgar (this was a very homophonic/chordal programme where a sense of musical lines moving forward can sometimes be missing) and My soul, there is a countryby Parry was perhaps the high point of the evening. The energy and dynamic contrasts seemed not simply to come from a response to the Director but to spring from within each singer and from a real love and understanding of the music and the text. 

The evening concluded with two pieces demonstrating Thomasall-round musicianship as an arranger. The impact of the quartet in Sullivans The long day closeswas highly effective and the string accompaniment gave the Singers a warm bed into which they could completely relax as they prepared for another night of sweet dreams.

There are firm plans for future concerts and workshops and a new Athenaeum Singers is emerging. Exciting times for music in Warminster.

Alan Burgess

 Thoms Workshopp 2022 (Photograph from concert workshop November 2022)
Thomas Mottershed

Saturday 26th November 2022 Concert
A Feast of Mozart and Schubert

As Christmas approaches and the days become shorter, people want to be cheered with
memorable melodies and good tunes that they can hum while driving home. This is not the
time for Götterdämmerung ! The Athenaeum Singers hit the spot here by giving us a concert
of music by two of the greatest “tunesmiths” in the world of classical music, Mozart and
Schubert. The programme for the evening consisted of a number of shorter works by these
two composers and included items for a soprano soloist.

It was a joy to see the Athenaeum Singers responding to their new young Musical Director,
Thomas Mottershead, with such obvious enthusiasm. All eyes were on him, and the
individual voice sections came in on cue and, what is probably more difficult, stopped
singing on cue as well. The choir made a good sound and were well supported by the flying
fingers of Simon Dinsdale on the organ. The soprano soloist, Amy Carson’s lovely clear agile
voice was perfect for the programme and her enjoyment of singing came across to the
audience. It is always a treat to see a soloist who can sing beautifully while smiling.

The concert opened with Mozart’s Regina Coeli, written when he was only 15 after his first
visit to Italy. The choir tackled the outer two movements with spirit, with the Altos in
particular, being outstanding while the inner two movements were superbly performed by
Amy. This was followed by the Mozarts’s Exsultate Jubilate, a challenging piece for a
soprano soloist, where Amy excelled and was supported ably by Simon who switched to the
piano for this item.

Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus is well known to the choir and the audience and it is always a
delight to see it on the programme. Tonight’s performance was both beautiful and sensitive
(as well as being technically accurate) and for many of us was the highlight of the evening.
The change of mood to the lesser known Jesu, wahrer Gottessohn was achieved with ease.

The second half of the programme was devoted to Schubert, starting with his less familiar
Stabat Mater which the choir performed with confidence, though the sopranos struggled at
times to maintain the pitch. This was followed by his popular Ave Maria where Amy, once
again, demonstrated her virtuosity.

The final item of the evening was Schubert’s Mass no.2 in G Major, probably the best known
and most performed of his masses. The work is not technically difficult but still requires
concentration and clear diction to bring out its song-like nature. We knew that we were in
for something special when the initial “K” of the opening Kyrie rang out loud and clear. In
the final two movements the Soprano soloist would normally be joined by Tenor and Bass
soloists, but in tonight’s performance the Tenor and Bass sections took responsibility for the
solo parts. Despite their small numbers this was a successful experiment and they provided
able support for Amy.

We wish the Athenaeum Singers well and we are sure that they will continue to flourish
under the direction of their new conductor.

Francis & Sue Taylor

   

Img_5007 Cropped Enh 600px 120 Dpi Jubilee Concert 2022

Saturday 4th June 2022 Jubilee Concert

The old saying was proved wrong last night; you can teach old dogs new tricks!

 

The Athenaeum Singers, after the COVID pause and in the interregnum between musical directors, came out all guns blazing last night under the baton of Nigel Perrin.  This was a joyous evening; the choir, normally formally dressed and marched to their places with military precision, were relaxed, comfortable and colourful as they embarked on an eclectic and fun programme, both ancient and modern. 

 

Off they went firstly with a contemporary piece - In Our Service by Thomas Hewitt Jones - accompanied powerfully and deftly by Simon Dinsdale - sub-organist at the Royal Memorial Chapel Sandhurst and international concert player. The Choir from the beginning handled the rich harmonies and phrasing well, the sopranos accurately managing some high reaches. This was a beautiful piece to start with: "no gilded crown nor gleaming crown of sapphire Can sure outshine an earthly vow To serve, to live with dignity, With humble stewardship and sacrifice, A pledge of unity a vow of love".  How moving on this Platinum Jubilee weekend.

 

Next came Handel's Coronation Anthem from Zadok the Priest.  The Singers made a confident opening. It is a soaring piece, and the Singers did soar, even if occasionally - through numerical disadvantage, not poor singing - it was a little difficult to hear the altos.  "God save the King; long live the King; may the King live for ever". Again, no one could have failed to be moved. 

 

Then we were treated to another innovation: Bach's Partita No 2 in D minor BWV 1004 - Allemanda (originally for violin and here arranged for saxaphone), performed solo by Katie Bunney, a young saxophanist studying for a Masters degree at the Royal College of Music, and already a versatile performer.  She chose to stand near the altar; this helped the rich tones to radiate across the church. 'She loves the versatility of the instrument' our programme informed us; well, she gave us a masterful demonstration of just that, through fast, slow and complex sections.  

 

Next the Singers returned to the Coronation Anthem for 'The King shall rejoice', resoundingly accompanied by the organist. It was again a soaring performance by the Choir, notwithstanding a challenging entry at the start of the Hallelujah.  Rich tone was once again to the fore. 

 

Following the intermission, a glass of wine for those who wanted it and delicious eats provided by choir members, we were in for a surprise.  The choir retook their places in colourful hats and regalia in which they performed Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo by Flanders and Horovitz.  The visual impression was fun, relaxed and amusing.   This was not conventional Athenaeum fare. With a jazzy accompaniment including a double base and a piano, the singers really went for it, imparting energy and more joy to the performance and bringing in valiant soloists from their number.  It was a little difficult to hear the male voices on occasion, but the overall effect was fresh and energetic, the rich melodic phrases surging as the singers swayed rhythmically.  

 

The performance completed with the swelling crescendo of Gjello's Evening Prayer.

 

The Athenaeum Singers are to be congratulated on their readiness to innovate, as is their seasoned temporary conductor for leading them so effectively.  Chatter in the intermission suggested the concert came together in the nick of time; they always do! It was a brave and energetic programme.  The choir rose to the challenge splendidly, and thus contributed a lovely dimension to our memories of this resounding Jubilee weekend.  

 

Hooray! Thank you. 

Charles Style

 

 

Vw Haydn Concert 2022 600px Web Spring Concert 2022

Saturday 9th April 2022 Spring Concert

The Athenaeum Singers presented two weighty choral works at The Minster last Saturday. The occasion was marked by being the valedictory concert of the Choirs Musical Director, Tim Coleman. A small orchestra accompanied the Singers and, with depleted choir numbers, this had more the feel of a chamber performance but was none the worse for that.

Haydns Nelson Mass has a strident opening and the orchestra set out their stall with great rhythmic intent. The choir had been arranged with the outnumbered yet gallant tenor section alongside the basses in front of the sopranos and altos. A good deal of the success of the performance was initiated by well-voiced bass leads in fugal sections but overall the upper voices, who had been pushed further back, needed to project more. There was very good diction in the Cum Sancto Spiritu section but in the canonic Credo more attack would have improved the sound further still. The ensuing music about Christs Passion was musically sung but His resurrection seemed to take some unsuspecting singers by surprise! The Hosannas in the Sanctus and Benedictus had good energy and the Agnus Dei ended with great optimism.

There were four soloists who formed a strong quartet. Claudia Wood was most at home in the calmer reflective moments such as the Et Incarnatus but one wished Haydn had written more for the alto as Merce Bruguero Abello seemed under-used: hers was an exquisitely delivered, velvety and captivating sound. Much of Robin Horgans tenor and Andrew Daviesbass paired music was delivered with some of the joy which is at the heart of Haydns writing.

Vaughan WilliamsDona nobis pacem was less familiar, unchartered territory for the choir. It was also their last chance to reward Tim Coleman for his considerable investment in their development over the past two and a half years. The music was a brave choice, especially given the ravaging impact the pandemic has had on choral societies. Therefore huge credit must be given to the Singers for rising to the challenges and for producing some of their best singing of the evening.

The choral outbursts following Claudia Woods initial Dona nobis pacemwere muscular and assured and in Reconciliationwe were treated to a glorious wash of choral sound in response to Andrew Daviesmelancholic and beautifully communicated solo. Mention should also be made of the fine lower strings and timpani introduction to the Dirgealong with Simon Dinsdales sensitive organ playing which was impeccable throughout.

Matching repertoire to ones forces is a skill and one that Tim Coleman possesses with great maturity. The Singers will look back on their time with him fondly and with gratitude. He is a director who draws a warm response from his performers through clear and unfussy direction. This programme offered the relative familiarity of Haydn alongside a much more demanding work and The Athenaeum Singers grew from the experience.

Thank you for sharing your achievement with such an appreciative audience.

Alan Burgess

 

 Athensing Carols 600px Web Carol Concert 2021

See the New Valley News video of our Carol Concert - Here

 

Faure 2021 Choir 600wide

16th October 2021  Fauré Requiem and European Sacred Music

The Athenaeum Singers emerged from their lockdown imprisonment with a well executed programme last Saturday, singing both at 4.30 and 7pm to ensure their audience could sit suitably spaced with Covid-free confidence.

This was a concert of calm and confident singing, the product of Tim Coleman’s clear, concise and uncomplicated conducting. Here is a choral director who understands his forces so well that he can set challenges which result in true musical achievement. There is nothing worse that hearing a choir which falters from bar to bar because the ‘bar’ has been set too high.  Tim’s very relaxed style allowed the singers to enjoy their music making. It was all about music for pleasure, theirs and ours.

The first half of the programme comprised five motets, all in contrasting styles. The Singers were probably at their best in Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine where the opening phrases from basses and then tenors unfolded warmly and with real understanding of the style of the music. The French accents were good all round too, as was diction. There was some uncertainty at the start of Palestrina’s Sicut Cervus but much stronger and purposeful attack at the start of Rossini’s O salutaris. The Russian of Tchakiowsky’s Dostoin Yest definitely pushed the choir but their grasp of the piece was exemplified with a culturally different timbre and the final bars produced possibly the best full choral sound of the concert.

Faure’s Requiem is a choral warhorse but this was a delightful performance. After the opening chords, the choir sang with a real sense of forward movement as the melodies unfolded with clear consonants and musical phrasing. The opening phrases of the O domine section were marked by a plaintive oboe-like quality in the tenors and answered by more velvety alto-viola sounds. Impressive! Intonation wavered a little in the full choir sections and parts of the Sanctus pulled at the seams but in the Agnus Dei the small band of tenors rose to the occasion and presented the main theme with warm commitment. There were good surges and retractions of sound later in this movement but  choirs have shrunk a little post pandemic and they are producing smaller sound. For The Athenaeum Singers this is not necessarily a bad thing: it simply means that the music now has more of a chamber quality and I, for one, loved it. The Libera me movement included some beautifully shaped unison singing with well controlled dynamics.

The choir was accompanied by Simon Dinsdale on the Minster organ throughout the concert. His playing was often gently unobtrusive, yet always supporting the singers. Emily Harris (harp) was deployed judiciously throughout the evening, especially in Faure’s music, and she accompanied Lucy Mellors (soprano) in Si mes vers avaient des ailes by Hahn and later, with Simon Dinsdale, in Boulanger’s Pie Jesu, a haunting piece with a beautifully hushed and well voiced ending supported by organ and harp. Meilir Jones (bass-baritone) sang Automne by Faure. It proved to be a high point of the concert. His voice had a dark brooding quality and he sang from within, exuding mournful melancholy.

Both soloists played their part in the Requiem and Lucy joined the sopranos to assist them on their final tranquil journey to ‘Paradisum’.

The concert concluded with Parry’s ‘Crossing the bar, in part a remembrance of those who have gone before, but at the same time an opportunity to demonstrate the Singers’ assured and reputable musical qualities which are being enhanced by their fine director.

Alan Burgess

30th November 2019  Poulenc:Gloria

The Athenaeum Singers’ departing director, Cole Bendall, placed considerable demands on his choir for his final concert at The Minster. The programme consisted of two larger works and six smaller ones, all in contrasting styles. One sensed that he had indulged his own personal musical tastes and at times these were not necessarily on the same palette as that of his Singers. The music certainly stretched them to their limits and choristers are at their best when they are confident and relaxed. However the Singers responded creditably with some lovely moments to send him on his way.

James Macmillan’s O radiant dawn is harmonically quite accessible and, while the pitch wavered, it ended with well-voiced hushed Amens. The ensuing music by three contemporary female composers - Melissa Dunphy, Alice Tegner and Joanna Gill – were more demanding. There were times when it seemed as though the choir was feeling its way a little but they were at ease with the barbershop harmonies at the start of Alice Tegner’s music and there was some lusty singing in Joanna Gill’s I heard the bells on Christmas day. Will Todd’s My Lord has come was sung with sensitivity and a palpable sense of mystery at the incarnation.

Francis Poulenc’s Gloria is a unique piece in the choral repertoire. The melodic lines are often sketchy … wisps of angular music here and there, and not always predictable, posing real challenges to the performers. The organ playing of Will Briant was exemplary with well chosen, colourful registration and the perfect amount of support for the Singers. Jillian Bain Christie (soprano) sang her lines with confidence but she failed to engage with the audience and this was a missed opportunity as communication is key in performance. The Singers had good diction and were at their best in the Laudamus te with good antiphonal singing and an emphatic ending.

The first half concluded with Vaughan Williams’ tried and tested Fantasia on Christmas Carols. While at times a stronger presence from the Singers would have been welcomed, their hushed moments were well presented and there was great balance between Singers, organ and Alex Pratley, the bass soloist, whose light, warm voice and engaging presence was a highlight of the evening.

The concert ended with Rheinberger’s Abendleid, the style of which was so well suited to the Singers, and it proved a fitting and musical farewell to their outgoing director.

Alan Burgess

1st June 2019  The Creation

Written right the height of his game, Haydn's The Creation, which draws its text from Milton's Paradise Lost and the Book of Genesis, offered up to the old master a plethora of action to work with, and he didn't disappoint!

The opening orchestral 'Representation of Chaos' was played by the 'in-residence' orchestra, The British Sinfonietta with great drama, fully exploring the full range of colour Haydn requires, particularly in the woodwind. Most notable was clarinetist Rhys Taylor. Conductor Cole Bendall was excellently in command of proceedings, clearly interpreting the work as he liked. Indeed the use of a reduced orchestration – two flutes, one oboe, one clarinet, one bassoon, 2 horns, timpani and strings - allowed for the chorus to be heard almost always.

Of the soloists Niall Anderson's opening bass recitative as Raphael was instantly captivating, exhilarating and completely off-score gripping the audience's attention brilliantly. Harry Bradford, tenor had a very sweet voice though perhaps, for the dramatic role of Uriel, was a little underwhelming, however, when pitched with the two others in the trio sections he matched them well. Tamsin Raitt, soprano charmed the audience with her beautiful silky tone as Eve as well as excellently controlled fast passages and radiant top C's when in Gabriel's shoes.

All choruses were handled well by the Athenaeum Singers with great engagement in some, especially in The heavens are telling, however, the perpetual problem of heads down in some sections elsewhere lost the excitement Haydn, and Cole Bendall demanded. Despite this, of all the sections particular praise must be attributed to the basses who provided a solid line throughout as well as very well controlled fast scalic passages in some choruses, especially in The Lord is Great.

This offering left all of the audience feeling good at the end knowing that they'd heard a very good evening's concert. All chorus members can feel proud that they gave a very good performance. Congratulations to all involved!

Neil Moore

1st December 2018 'Gloria'

The Minster was, as ever, packed for this annual December event. While it was advertised as ‘Gloria’ it might have been even better billed as being performed by ‘The New Athenaeum Singers’. Directed by their recently appointed director, Cole Bendall, there was much that was both different and refreshing from past years.

Cole has set out his stall very clearly to his choir and they are already responding well. I cannot recall seeing The Athenaeum Singers demonstrate such rapt attention as they did in singing Elizabeth Poston’s Jesus Christ the Apple Tree. It was not simply that they sang without music so had no option but to look at their conductor: they sang with intense focus, careful attention to detail and, in submitting to their director, the music ebbed and flowed in very musical fashion.

There followed three more very contrasting unaccompanied pieces of seasonal music. It was daring to start with the Poston which is so exposed and, while the Choir used musical scores for the remaining pieces, they still focused firmly on their conductor in Here is the little door by Howells, which demonstrated a sensitivity to the text and clear diction. Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen by Praetorius was sung with care, though one sensed that the German was unfamiliar territory to some, and Gareth Treseder’s ‘The sleep of infant Jesus’ was a welcome addition to the choral repertoire, placing different harmonic demands on the choir who responded with good dynamic range and careful phrasing.

The Little Organ Mass by Haydn concluded the first half. Simon Dinsdale (organ) selected bright registration and light accompaniment while the Singers demonstrated good musicianship in singing through the lines to give the performance a clear sense of direction. The Sanctus and Hosanna had well shaped phrases and good dynamic contrasts and the Dona nobis pacem was sung with appropriately warm tone.

During the first part of the programme there were occasional uncertainties when confidence wavered and intonation strayed a little. Perhaps a tad more support from the organ in the Haydn might have helped but the altos invariably centred on their entries and had a consistently gentle assurance.

Vivaldi’s Gloria concluded the concert with solos from Jillian Bain Christie and Rhian Davies. Their singing was totally in tune with Cole Bendell’s approach to the evening. They both sang with warmth, sensitivity and precision, conveying the spirit of the text, letting the music do the talking and avoiding over indulgence and excessive ornamentation. This is a joyful piece with some reflective moments. There were many choral high points such as the secure chording in the Gratias agimus tibi and Qui tollis, the agile entries of the altos and basses at the start of the Domine fili section and the way in which the Cum Sancto Spiritu had excellent balance between all four parts and sprightly rhythms. The music concluded with a very firm crescendo and strong forte. It highlighted the fact that this was probably the loudest we had heard the choir whose singing was devoid of any forced tone, heralding an exciting era under their new director. Bravo!

Alan Burgess

2nd June 2018  Concert

ELIJAH

 

A large, appreciative audience filled The Minster Church on Saturday evening for the Athenaeum Singers’ concert celebrating the choir’s fortieth anniversary.  This joyous occasion was tinged with a little sadness as the choir was also saying farewell to its Musical Director, Edward-Rhys Harry, and Chorus Master, Rosie Howarth.  The work chosen for the occasion was Mendelssohn’s masterpiece Elijah, which poses significant challenges for choir, soloists, orchestra and conductor – all of whom acquitted themselves very well in this performance.

 

The choir sang with great confidence from the start, obviously having been prepared well during the weeks of rehearsal conducted by Rosie Howarth.  The numerical imbalance within the choir (where have all the tenors gone?) was generally well managed, although at louder dynamics the sound was dominated by the relatively large soprano section and the six tenors struggled to be heard.  For me, the choir was at its best in the few quieter moments of the score, when balance, tone and diction were excellent.  The singers were very attentive to the conductor and maintained a tight ensemble and attention to detail throughout the lengthy performance.  There were numerous highlights in the chorus movements:  the increasing sense of drama in ‘Baal, we cry to thee’ was particularly noteworthy; ‘Be not afraid’ was uplifting and the closing choruses in each part were exhilarating.

 

Elijah was portrayed very powerfully by Phillip Guy Bromley, who brought a combination of drama and assurance to the role.  His somewhat free interpretation presented timing challenges to the orchestra and conductor, but the audience responded positively to his dramatic style.  Soprano Mary Pope, Mezzo Soprano Olivia Gomez and Tenor Rhodri Prys Jones were equally memorable, each delivering a highly professional performance marked by confidence and musicianship.  Alexei James-Cudworth’s clear treble voice rang our beautifully as he sang his short but dramatically important part from the pulpit.  Tuneful and confident, his conversational responses to Elijah were convincing.  The soloists were joined briefly during Part 2 by two members of the choir; Chorus Master Rosie Howarth and soprano Clare Bayman.  They each merged seamlessly into the ensemble, singing with confidence and balancing the professional voices.

 

Accompaniment was provided by The British Sinfonietta, led authoritatively by Naomi Rump, with Simon Dinsdale at the organ.  Professional accompaniment is essential in a work of this magnitude and the orchestra did not disappoint.  There were moments when the challenge of preparing almost two and a half hours of music in a single three-hour rehearsal was obvious and the professionalism of the orchestra (and skill of the leader) saved the day.  Even though a reduced orchestration of the score was used, there were times when the orchestra overpowered the singers.  At these moments one would have wished for a larger choir rather than smaller orchestra.  With only around fifty singers on stage, balance with the orchestra was always going to be a challenge; congratulations are due for success in overcoming this through most of the performance.

 

In saying farewell to Edward and Rosie the choir paid them the most appropriate compliment – an excellent performance.  The audience’s appreciation was eminently expressed in its loud and prolonged ovation.

 

 Stephen Smith

4th June 2018

 

Concert 2nd December 2017

CHRISTMAS MUSIC AT THE MINSTER

 

The Minster was packed for The Athenaeum Singers’  Christmas concert last Saturday night. Edward-Rhys Harry had chosen a varied and demanding programme, a mix of old favourites and some less familiar works.

 

The music in the first half was demanding for the Choir. Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols has extended passages of distant humming in the opening section, especially difficult if there has been no opportunity to warm the voice, maybe with a wholesome carol. At times the pitch wavered but the arrival of ‘all you worthy gentlemen’ allowed hearts and voices to open out and the piece grew with increasing conviction. Lauridson’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ demands an approach like the opening of the Vaughan Williams with quiet sustained singing and though the pitch occasionally wavered, the Singers were effective in conveying a sense of hushed mystery, especially in the closing section.

 

Between these two pieces was the rarely performed Oratorio de Noel by Saint Saens. The Singers relished the stronger impassioned sections, particularly in the middle movement: here they sang with assured confidence and throughout the piece the tenors, who were significantly outnumbered, held their own exceptionally well. Indeed some of the tenor and bass lines in this piece were very strong but might have been stronger still had they been raised up a little as all the Choir was on floor level.

 

The Singers had engaged four young up and coming soloists who were joined, near the end of the Saint Saens, by Clare Bayman (soprano) from the Choir: she showed great poise and musicianship and was very much their equal.

 

Osian Wynn Bowen’s fruity tenor voice was exceedingly well suited to the operatic style of the Saint Saens and he delivered both text and music with aplomb. Later, in the Christmas music from Messiah, we heard Emily Wenman (soprano) deliver the music about the shepherds with an impeccably pure innocence, Stephanie Wake-Edwards (mezzo soprano), who has a remarkable rich lower register, impressed with a beautifully controlled ‘O Thou that tellest’ and Michael Ronan (baritone) who had earlier communicated the Vaughan Williams solos with real warmth demonstrated an aptly sombre tone in a well voiced ‘For behold, darkness shall cover the earth.’

 

The Athenaeum Singers presented a light and bright Messiah. It had a joyful spring in its step and the texture had great clarity, nowhere more so than in their singing of ‘And the glory of the Lord’. It was great that the Choir never forced the sound and at times their singing was even playful, with a zest for life. Maybe ‘For unto us a child is born’ could have had even tighter dotted rhythms and there was the perennial issue of exactly where to place the ‘s’ but the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ was delivered with precision and ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ was a fitting climax to a great evening of music making.

 

In concerts such as this, orchestras can be the bane of singers’ lives and the evening can develop into warfare on a grand scale as choir and orchestra each tries to make itself heard. Therefore the Singers must have enjoyed being accompanied by Simon Dinsdale on the organ. If a concert is to have a hero you would be hard pressed to find better as he was a master craftsman and made the instrument sing in a way I find hard to recall in the thirty years or so I have known the Minster. He adapted wonderfully well to the variety of musical styles and I froze when, at the end of ‘Glory to God’, by some miracle, he made the angels vanish into thin air above the plains of Bethlehem.

Alan Burgess

 

REVIEW OF THE ATHENAEUM SINGERS’ CONCERT -  SATURDAY 20 MAY, 2017
THE MINSTER CHURCH OF ST DENYS, WARMINSTER

 TE DEUM IN C – JOSEPH HAYDN

 We knew we were in for a treat when the opening bars of this piece produced a bright, clear sound from both choir and orchestra.  The work was in three continuous movements, the outer two being energetic with a contrasting minor key middle section.  The performance really drew the audience in.

 REQUIEM – GABRIEL FAURE

 It was courageous of the Singers to perform such a well-known and well-loved work but they certainly did it justice and, aided by members of the British Sinfonietta one would be hard pushed to distinguish their performance from that of a professional choir.  The a capella sections posed no problems with either balance between the voices or intonation, and in the Sanctus in particular the Singers displayed their ability to sing both dramatic crescendos and pianissimo sections with equal aplomb.  The beautiful and controlled voice of soloist Anghared Davies was showcased in the melodious Pie Jesu.  Well done to the tenors, few in number, who introduced the lyrical melody in the Agnus Dei without appearing to be straining over the high notes!

Altogether a moving performance, ably accompanied by the orchestra and sensitive playing by the organist, Douglas Stevens.

 MASS OF THE MARTYRS (A MASS OF ST DENYS) – EDWARD-RHYS HARRY

 It is always exciting to be present for a world premiere performance as one never knows quite to expect.  This work, as the composer himself explains, is a fusion of two types of musical work – opera and oratorio. 

 The drama began with the rattling of the church doors as the “heroine” – a refugee – breaks into the building in order to find a place of solace and safety.  The richly melodious Kyrie Eleison sung by the choir interwoven with high notes by the soprano soloist left one hoping to hear this beautiful tune as a refrain later on – and indeed happily that proved to be the case.

 All sorts of emotions are encompassed within the music.  The anger expressed in the setting of Isaiah 59 was almost palpable in its musical setting, expertly performed by the soloists.  Atmosphere was also created by the images projected on the screen and the imaginative use of the building as a stage – for example when the tenor soloist sang from the back of the church.

“I saw her this morning” was well performed by the four soloists (with the addition of two choir members), the clever use of discordant harmonies underlining the meaning of the lyrics.  You really have to appreciate your opera to have enjoyed this effect fully but in the next movement, Agnus Dei, peacefulness returned as the choir sung a series of melodious sequences.  The reading of the words of 1 Corinthians 13 and the grace pronounced by the priest were a fitting close to this unique and interesting work.  Was Warminster ready for this?  Judging by the audience reaction Warminster most definitely was, as the applause went on for some considerable time and the soloists and composer/conductor received a well-deserved standing ovation.  One member of the audience commented afterwards that she found the work a strangely moving experience which had a profound effect on her. 

Mention must also be made of the hauntingly beautiful playing by the oboist throughout the performance.

Emma Crisp

 

 

Concert 12 November 2016 Review: Requiem and The Armed Man

 An expectant full house watched the well turned out ranks of the Athenaeum Singers file onto the staging at The Minster Church, Warminster last Saturday evening hoping to hear a great concert and they weren't left disappointed.

 John Rutter's Requiem and Karl Jenkins' Armed Man formed the order of play - an appropriate choice for Remembrance-tide.

 Rutter's Requiem, completed in 1985, combines texts from the Requiem Mass and the Book of Common Prayer. The opening movement, Requiem aeternam, was warm in tone and very together with almost all singers watching the director, Edward-Rhys Harry's every beat. Out of the deep, second movement, had a superb cello solo throughout played by Beatrice Newman of the British Sinfionetta, the superb band providing accompaniment. The 'in His word is my trust' climax was powerfully sung by the chorus with great diction throughout. Soprano Elinor Rolfe Johnson took centre stage for the third movement Pie Jesu, performing with a beautiful, rich tone showing excellent control on the highest notes. The chorus provided a lovely accompaniment here and, in the next movement, Sanctus, where they took over showed great excitement amongst sections, bouncing off one another - great! The Agnus Dei movement had good tenor and alto section entries which built up to a good climax, however, some tenors were slightly more keen to make it to the end than the rest. The Lord is my shepherd movement was another great example of richness and good dynamic control. The last movement, Lux Aeterna started with another great soprano solo followed by the chorus, sopranos slightly flat. The opening Requiem music ended this well controlled beautiful work. The members of the British Sinfionetta should be commended on their excellent playing throughout.

 Jenkins' The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace is a work which has quickly captured the country's attention. A strong opening L'homme armé (1) from the chorus had nice bounce and assured singing, with most coping with the French text. The Kyrie movement (2) had a beautiful soprano solo, performed once again by Elinor Rolfe Johnson, eerie cello, Beatrice Newman and a good supporting chorus with a particularly silky-smooth bass section, bravo! (4) Save me from bloody men had strong tenor and bass sections singing in unison. (5) Sanctus started with a bump but quickly recovered. (7) Charge - the choir really enjoyed this one with great wailing, if a little embarrassed, at the end. Three more soloists joined Rolfe Johnson for (8) Angry flames - Olivia Gomez mezzo soprano, Kieran Jones tenor and William Drakett bass all singing with richness of tone, particularly Gomez. (10) Agnus Dei had beautiful soprano section singing and violin playing. For (11) Now the guns have stopped, Gomez was back with her exquisite singing. (12) Benedictus, another great excuse to hear Newman on cello, performing incredibly beautifully also great orchestral playing and lovely quiet choir entries sung well in tune. The four soloists, singing confidently started the final movement which led to a good, exciting climax. The final A capella section was very good and rather moving.

 Praise must go to the British Sinfionetta, leader Nia Bevan for providing excellent accompaniment throughout; the four soloists; chorus; Edward-Rhys Harry for directing and Rosie Howarth, chorus master.

 Neil Moore 12 October 2016

 

SUMMER CONCERT: A Night at the Opera 2016

Congratulations to The Athenaeum Singers for having the courage to break a very traditional mould by branching out from their usual concert programming and visiting a new venue. Their daring was rewarded with a capacity and appreciative audience at The Civic Centre on Saturday to hear ‘A Night at the Opera’. With the aid of simple programme notes and interjections from Edward-Rhys Harry, the conductor, we were guided through a varied programme of solos and choruses from Purcell to Puccini, some of the music familiar and some rarely performed.

It would be fair to say that the Singers were taken out of their comfort zone and one knew something was afoot when they were standing chatting animatedly in small groups while the orchestra struck up the opening number. This was no longer The Athenaeum Singers but a collection of wedding guests in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and tenor soloist, Luke Daniel (the groom), soon arrived to mingle with them. A chorus by Handel was then followed by the Habanera from Bizet’s Carmen with Mary Pope (soprano). This opening trio of pieces encapsulated so much about the evening. Some of the Singers managed, with ease, to take on characterisation but for others it was more challenging. Most significant, however, was that in the first two pieces the Choir was required to sing from memory. Once they had scores in their hands for the Bizet, anxiety visibly fell away and they sang with an assured confidence, responding as one to the very beguiling Carmen.

Mary Pope sang on several other occasions and her performances were a highlight of the evening: she had poise and musicianship in abundance with a warm tone and beautifully controlled phrasing though it would have been better still had she lifted her eyes from her score more often to communicate with the audience. Luke Daniel achieved well in this respect, especially in his Mozart solo, but at times his upper register was strained. The trio of soloists was completed by Paul Fletcher (baritone): in music by Borodin his light voice struggled to project through the accompanying choral and orchestral texture but his other three solos demonstrated a gentle lyricism.

Instrumental accompaniment was provided by members of the British Sinfonietta and by Douglas Stevens, the choir’s regular accompanist. The Sinfonietta maintained a tight ensemble throughout and Douglas Stevens was always sensitive. However, while The Civic Centre had comfortable chairs, it did not prove to be an ideal concert venue. The orchestra, sited behind the choir, seemed as though they were playing in a half open box (maybe an orchestra pit?) and the electronic keyboard which was used for many of the solos seemed underpowered at times and had a very synthetic quality. The low ceilings gave a dry acoustic and at times we listened to quieter music to the accompanying drone of air conditioning and the distant clink of glasses after the long interval, though this did provide an opportunity for socialising and sampling some delicious canapes.

The Singers worked hard and produced some beautiful moments, the Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly being especially effective. They presented one of their best operatic moments under the direction of their Chorus Master, Patrick Barrett, who is moving on to pastures new: their singing of Wagner’s Pilgrims’ Chorus had warmth, commitment and sincerity. In one of Purcell’s most poignant pieces, the choir conveyed genuine sadness at the demise of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and they ended with the Hebrew Slaves’ Chorus from Nabucco where, in a more relaxed mood, some moved gently to the powerful melody and all united to convey a real joy of singing.

Alan Burgess

 

Concert – Saturday 28th November 2015

The Athenaeum Singers offered an interesting group of pieces for the first half of their concert on Saturday.  Opening with the well-loved Mozart Ave Verum, they settled down to a moving performance of Morten Lauridsen’s Sure on this shining night, with its unusual and beautiful harmonies.  Next came a well-sung piece by the choir’s conductor, Edward-Rhys Harry, returned after a couple of years, followed by a Welsh song Y Bard, from tenor Rhodri Jones, whose finely restrained voice was a delight. Later his compatriot, Angharad Davies, in another song from Wales – Gweddi y Pechadur, was equally pleasing. (Incidentally, a translation of these titles would have been useful, but they didn’t get a programme note).  Between the two came a setting of Ola Gjeilo’s Ubi Caritas; here the fine composition was not enhanced by a long introduction and conclusion on the piano, which, for all the careful playing, seemed increasingly contrived.  A well-known Schubert piece Ständchen, confirmed the earlier impression made by Rhodri Jones, and the first half closed with Paul Mealor’s Ave Maria, evocative of a childhood experience.

After the interval, the choir was back on familiar territory in the Mozart Requiem.  Good attack in the Kyrie and Dies Irae led to a finely contrasted Rex Tremendae, and then in the Recordare we heard the four soloists. The bass, Ben Tomlin has a fine voice but not one which blended well with the soprano and tenor, joined harmoniously by contralto, Beth Moxon.

After a suitably portentous Confutatis and Lacrimosa, the music emerges into brighter country in Domine Jesu and Hostias et Preces, and on to the bustling Quam Olim Abraham.  The potent appeal of the Angus Dei was followed by the confident opening of Cum Sanctis Tuis (always a surprise to hear an echo of And with his stripes from Messiah). This rounded off a very creditable performance, ably held together in the absence of an orchestra by Gary Desmond at the organ. Much credit too, we learned, is due to the energetic young Chorus-master, Patrick Barrett, and it was gratifying to see a full house for this enjoyable evening’s music

Review by John Budgen

 

Brahms: Ein Deutches Requiem

 SATURDAY 30 MAY 2015

 

 The Athenaeum Singers brought the grandeur of Brahms’ Ein Deutches Requiem to the Minster Church on Saturday evening.  Under the baton of their musical director, Edward-Rhys Harry, they were joined by two excellent soloists and accompanied by the British Sinfonietta, with the choir’s rehearsal pianist Douglas Stevens at the organ.

 

Edward chose to begin the concert with one of his own works.  For Cecilia is a setting of Alexander Pope’s poem An Ode on St Cecilia’s Day.  His compositional style is contemporary and accessible and it was obvious that the choir enjoyed performing the piece, producing a joyous sound and well-disciplined ensemble throughout.  The soloists, Soprano Rhiannon Llewellyn and Baritone Nicholas Merryweather, demonstrated the quality of their voices and musicality in their individual contributions and were well matched in duet.

 

The evening’s main work was performed in German and, whilst the choir never sounded completely comfortable with the language, the uniformity of pronunciation and quality of diction were among the many praiseworthy elements of this performance.  So, too, was the proficiency displayed in some very demanding technical passages.  The apparent ease with which the choir tackled the two lengthy contrapuntal sections in movements three and six suggests a great deal of hard work had taken place in rehearsal – it was worth it.  Mention must also be made of the choir’s attention to dynamic detail.  Careful observance of the softer dynamics created some balance problems with the orchestra, but allowed for moments of drama at such points as the sudden forte entry ‘Denn alles fleisch’ in the second movement.

 

The choral sound was a little light in texture; partly due to the reduced numbers taking part (performing strength was well below the 65 names in the programme).  It was also very soprano dominated.  I wonder if the steeply tiered seating contributed to the internal balance issues, causing the men’s voices to pass over the heads of the audience?

 

The soloists’ voices were ideally suited to this repertoire, with a rich sonority that filled the space.  Both demonstrated mature understanding of the text and outstanding musicality.  Nicholas Merryweather sang with authority and conviction, conveying a depth of meaning in both of his solo movements.  Soprano Rhiannon Llewellyn was equally impressive in her one solo movement, which she sang with warmth and clarity of voice.  Whilst, initially, she seemed uneasy with the tempo that had been set, the ensemble soon settled into a satisfying unity.  I found her occasional pulsing of each syllable a little disturbing, but her diction was excellent and her understanding of the musical line obvious.

 

Mention must be made of the orchestra, which provided excellent accompaniment throughout the evening.  Balance between a relatively small choir and such a large ensemble was always going to be a challenge, which was not always overcome in this performance.  There is a limit to how quietly certain instruments can be played (even with some judicious muting of the trumpet)!

 

The penultimate movement was, for me, the highlight of the performance.  It had momentum and style.  Added to this was wonderful control and flowing musical line from the baritone soloist and vibrant playing from the orchestra.  The choir excelled in the contrapuntal allegro, with great pace and strong, accurate entries in all voices.  Exciting stuff, indeed!  We were treated to an encore in a repetition of the fourth movement, this time in English (How lovely are Thy dwellings fair).  Whilst this had the slightly unfortunate effect of emphasizing the choir’s discomfort with the German, it was delivered with a warmth of sound and sustained line that brought the evening to a satisfying end.

 

This was a well-paced performance with which Edward, his choir, soloists and orchestra should be pleased.  It certainly justified the enthusiastic and prolonged ovation from the audience.

 

Stephen Smith

 

 

Requiem for an Angel: Paul Carr

Spirit of England: Edward Elgar

 

The Athenaeum Singers gave a noteworthy concert on Saturday 29th November, performing Paul Carr’s “Requiem for an Angel”, which many will remember was composed for the choir and given its first performance at St Denys Church, Warminster eight years ago.  It was written in memory of the mother of Paul and Gavin Carr who was then the musical director.  This performance was particularly special since the choir was dedicating it to their father, Martin Carr, who died recently.

The work starts with a placid “Requiem Aeternam” and leads into “Te Decet” introduced by percussion (of which we will hear more) on through a brief “Father forgive us” to a reprise of the “Requiem”.  The appealing “Pie Jesu”, admirably sung by soprano Rhiannon Llewellyn, contains the enigmatic quotation for a poem by Emily Dickinson: “Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me”.  This movement was sadly impaired by the lack of a harp.  A “Chorale” follows with beautiful harmonies, sung with admirable restraint by the choir and baritone, Gavin Carr.

Now the mood changes spectacularly for the “Sanctus”, introduced by bongo drums in an almost wildly rhythmic style.  Here the choir was less at home and was at times almost eclipsed by the orchestra with a full-voiced part for the trumpet.  The movement closes with a tranquil rendering of “Sanctus” followed by an explosive seven bars of percussion.

The “Agnus Dei” comes next, featuring another quotation from Emily Dickinson: “The world feels dusty when we stop to die” with both soloists.  Again, the brass threatens the balance and the saxophone makes an appearance here.  The song “Do I love you, more than a day?” is nicely scored for baritone with a discreet choral part ending in a sensitive pianissimo.  The “Kyrie” follows, interestingly mingled with “Father forgive us”.  This movement calls for pinpoint accuracy, not always easy when singing very slowly and very quietly.

Finally, comes the “Lux Aeterna” with its persistent tonic pulse, relieved by Hebrew quotations from the psalms and taken up again when the soloists join in for an extended offering of no less than four pages of fortissimo “Lux Aeterna” (one had got the message by two, really).  The work closes with a calm “How good it is … to live together in unity” and a final “Requiem”.

Not at all an easy work to sing with limited combined rehearsal time, and at times it was hard to hear the men’s voices against the brass and percussion. If there was an occasional loss of unanimity, it was still a fascinating departure from the more familiar repertoires.

After the interval, we heard Samuel Barber’s exquisite “Adagio for Strings”, a piece which calls for consummate artistry which, sadly, was lacking in this performance.

The final work was the topical Elgar “Spirit of England”.  This typically spacious work embodies many familiar Elgarian motifs, not least references to the “Demon’s Chorus”, and, with the splendid contribution of Rhiannon Llewellyn, the choir seemed more confident than before, with the balance and contrasts well marked.

Overall, it is difficult to escape the feeling that the space and the dead acoustics of St Denys’ Church had a job to cope with the volume of sound demanded by the Carr “Requiem”, and we look forward eagerly to the effect of the more modest resources of the baroque orchestra planned for next June.

Finally, I have been asked to thank everyone who contributed to the collection for the charity Combat Stress.  A magnificent sum of £515.00 was raised.                       

John Budgen

 

Concert Review: 6th June 2014:
A Spirit of Summer at The Minster, Warminster
Noah Concert

The Athenaeum Singers and Minster School Choir joined forces to present a ‘Spirit of Summer’ concert at The Minster Church, Warminster on 7th June. The Singers’ Director, Jessi Pywell, had decided to push the boat out and lead her singers into unchartered waters with a performance of Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo - a light hearted telling of the Biblical story of the ark .

Abigail Gostick (mezzo soprano) sang largely as a narrator. She was an exceptional story teller, with a beautiful well rounded yet gentle and reassuring voice, never forcing the sound and singing with true musicianship. The performance included some small solo roles for choir members and these were all sung exceedingly well.

The advantage of a good adult choir singing this music is that we can experience the secure harmony and detail that might sometimes be missed|: we also enjoyed well-shaped phrases and well observed dynamics. The women particularly entered into the spirit of the music but by the final chorus, as the animals walked onto dry land ‘by two, by two, by two, by two…’ even the basses had something approaching a spring in their step. The children joined in a few of the numbers: it would have been lovely to have had more of them as they injected additional energy, particularly through their diction, but The Singers gave a committed performance and, for the first time in their history, we had a semi-staged performance, with umbrellas, rain hats and, on one occasion, a pair of bloomers.

The Minster Choir, directed by Stuart Telling, with their Headteacher, Lisa Tudor, at the piano, sang a group of five songs. The children were well disciplined, firmly focused on their conductor and conveyed a genuine sense of what they were singing. There were many high points such as their sheer joy in ‘This little light of mine’, the wistful soloist in ‘Castle on a cloud’, real feeling for the text in ‘Tomorrow’ and lovely solo and small ensemble work in ‘One little voice’. Each child was a great ambassador for the School and the singing was engaging throughout.

The evening finished with John Rutter’s ‘Feel the spirit’, jazzy arrangements of spirituals which again required the Athenaeum Singers to ‘loosen up’. Some visibly rose to the challenge, gently moving to the music. There were moments of beautiful calm and stillness in ‘Steal away’ and heavenly ‘oo’ sounds in ‘I got a robe’. ‘Sometimes I feel like a motherless child’ was appropriately soulful and the Singers lifted off at times in ‘Ev’ry time I feel the spirit’. The haunting ‘Deep river’ contrasted with the final rousing ‘When the saints’ where the children joined forces with the adults and raced on to a heavenly conclusion.

Again Abigail Gostick sang beautifully through these spirituals and the piano accompaniment from Tim Primrose was impeccable, always stylish and giving the Singers the support they needed. 

Alan Burgess

Concert Review:  Saturday 8th March 
Stabat Mater: Dvorak 

Steven Kennedy  Dvorak 03 Click on image to enlarge

The Athenaeum Singers, under their established director, Jessi Pywell, gave a fine performance of Dvorak’s Stabat Mater at St Denys Church on Saturday.  This remarkably little-known work presents a predictably melancholy aspect, given the subject and the composer’s sad loss of his children, but offers a richly orchestrated and chromatic accompaniment, and great scope for both soloists and chorus.A contemplative opening for the strings leads into a gentle statement of the subject, eloquently sung by Louise Prickett and taken up first by the other soloists and then by the chorus, finally with the brass.  Here the tenors, despite their customary small numbers, came through well, and the section ended with a thrilling ‘Et tremebat’.

In the next movement, ‘Quis est homo?’, the soloists sang together to excellent effect, the counter tenor, Roderick Morris being outstanding.  Particularly pleasing was the ‘Tui nati vulnerati’ with its lyrical orchestral accompaniment in 6/8 time.  The moving and evocative text was vividly brought to life as it pleads to share in Mary’s sorrow and moves to a strong expression of faith.

Throughout, the soloists gave us admirable performances, though one wondered if the balance might have been better had the soprano been placed centrally.  At times the trombones were a little assertive, (but they can only be played so quietly before they lose tone-quality).  With a large-scale work such as this, one longed for a more spacious venue where choir and orchestra could be heard in easier proportion throughout the building.

The final ‘Quando corpus’, once more introduced by the soloists, broke into a concluding episode with the choir achieving a really splendid sound as they reached the ‘Amen’, after which a wistful epilogue by the strings ended this magnificent work.  We are indeed grateful to The Athenaeum Singers for bringing it to our notice.

John Budgen

Review:
GF Handel. Messiah. Saturday 30th November 2013

Messiah Img_4597_ Enhanced Webwith Text Dxo 02
Click on image to enlarge.
  a 
MAGNIFICENT MESSIAH      

The Athenaeum Singers’ ‘Messiah’ at The Minster Church on Saturday night was a rare treat.

There was a sense of eager anticipation before the overture started and, as an audience, we were not disappointed. Jessi Pywell, the Choir’s director, ensured we had a stylish performance of this very familiar music, with Choir and soloists all maintaining good pace and excellent diction.  The playing of the Chameleon Arts Baroque Orchestra was superb throughout.

I cannot remember time fly by so quickly in a performance of this piece. It was full of high points. The first class soloists were outstanding: you would not have heard better in the city.

Charlotte Ashley (soprano) hails from Warminster: what a homecoming! Her voice was exceptionally well suited to the baroque and her singing of ‘Rejoice greatly’ conveyed a real sense of exultation.

Roderick Morris (counter tenor) was exceptional, a communicator of the first order with an engaging presence: he had immaculate breath control and sang lengthy phrases effortlessly.

David Condry (tenor) brought a real intimacy to the evening, a chamber quality, as he sang his music with deep understanding of the text and a beautiful purity of tone.

 Rupert Reid (bass) was a story teller and with a beautifully warm tone in the upper register. His ‘trumpet shall sound’ had great phrasing, complemented by thrilling trumpet playing.

 The Choir’s opening choruses went well but in the second half of the programme they upped their game and often excelled themselves. They are to be commended on the way that they maintained a light touch, consistent pace, and commitment. The bank of choruses which open Part Two can fade with fatigue but The Singers maintained energy and momentum. All sections of the choir had their moments of glory: the sopranos with their light opening to ‘For unto us a child is born’, the altos with warm tone in a number of the homophonic sections such as the end of ‘His yoke is easy’, the basses with some lovely sonorous tone in several choruses, especially ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ but the tenors were definitely the most consistently on top form. They looked as though they were enjoying the music throughout and their singing was invariably sprightly, perky and well articulated, entirely in keeping with the mood the conductor had at her heart and which came across so well throughout the evening.

The Singers should be justifiably proud of a great concert.

Alan Burgess

Review:
French Impressions: Saturday 8th June 2013 

Durufle:Requiem    Faure:Pavane,  Cantique de Jean Racine
Vierne: Messe Solonnelle

Poster French  Click on image to enlarge

In the choir’s second concert with its new conductor, Jessi Pywell, The Athenaeum Singers presented a well-constructed and balanced programme of 19th and 20th century French works under the title ‘French Impressions’.

 The concert began with Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, at the start of which the conductor was a little hasty, beginning before all of her singers were ready.  However, the choir soon settled and it quickly became clear that it was in good form.  There was an air of confidence and the work was performed with excellent diction and dynamic detail; a high standard that was to be maintained throughout the evening.  My only criticism is that I found the choral sound rather too sharply focused for the ‘impressionist’ style intimated in the programme, particularly at louder dynamic levels.  Organist Paul Provost produced some delightful tone-colours in the accompaniment.

 In a change to the printed running order, the next work was Duruflé’s Requiem.  Modelled on the better-known Requiem by Fauré, Duruflé’s work nevertheless has its own character.  His melodic material is drawn almost exclusively from Plainchant, to which he adds his own harmonic colour.  The whole work is pervaded by a sense of peace and tranquillity, which I never quite found in this performance.  The high standards of diction and dynamic contrast brought to the opening work continued throughout the Requiem.  Some difficult technical challenges were accomplished with apparent ease and the choir was attentive to the clear direction given by its conductor.  Paul Provost’s accompaniment was masterly, producing a broad palette of tone-colours from the organ.  At softer dynamic levels balance, both within the choir and between choir and organ, was good.  However, at louder dynamics the choir suffered from imbalance between its component sections (like most choirs there are too few tenors) and occasionally overpowered the organ.

 The evening’s two fine soloists made their (all too brief) appearance in this work.  Baritone James Geidt filled the church with sound as he delivered his solo in Domine Jesu Christe.  He sang with conviction, combining excellent vocal sound and clear diction with well-shaped phrasing.  He was equally good in Libera me; his voice ideally suited to the music and fitting well with the sound of the choir.  Soprano Alexandra Stevenson gave a powerful rendition of Pie Jesu, with the ‘optional’ cello solo performed beautifully by Christine Draycott.  The movement is more usually sung by a mezzo-soprano (as specified in the score), but the greater tonal distance between the soprano voice and accompanying cello made for an interesting performance.  Alexandra Stevenson is blessed with a fine voice and secure technique.  She sang with faultless tuning and diction and a mature sense of style.

 Whilst I detected an occasional air of uncertainty in this challenging work, there were times when the desired calm was achieved; what a pity that it was marred by an apparent epidemic of coughing in the audience!

 The second half began with Fauré’s Pavane, in which the French text was replaced with a succession of ‘oo’ and ‘loo’, which did nothing to enhance the grace of the music.  This was the least successful work in the programme, with some noticeable uncertainty and insecurity of pitch in the singing.  A marked imbalance between choir and organ at louder dynamics resulted in Paul Provost’s delightful playing being obscured by the voices.

 The choir returned to form in the final work, Vierne’s Requiem, in which the second organ was played by its regular accompanist Stephen Cooke.  Whilst Duruflé and Vierne were lifelong friends, their respective Requiems contrast dramatically.  The choir approached the piece with relish, bringing to the performance a sense of drive and momentum.  I detected some tiredness creeping in towards the end, resulting in some untidiness of ensemble and dropping of pitch.  However, there was a good sense of style throughout the work and impressive interplay between the choral sections.  The two organists provided a secure and colourful accompaniment.

 In only her second outing with the choir, Jessi Pywell should be highly satisfied.  She was always in control of her resources and directed a well-paced performance.  There was ample evidence of detailed rehearsal, which produced a disciplined choral sound and excellent attention to musical detail.  The hard work that had obviously gone into the preparation was suitably rewarded in this highly commendable performance, which justified the enthusiastic applause of the audience.

 Stephen Smith

Review:
Athenaeum Singer's Winter Concert Minster Church,
Warminster Saturday 26 January 2013

    Puccini Balcony      Puccini Side Shot
Click on image to enlarge

The Minster Church was packed for The Athenaeum Singers’ first concert under their new director, Jessi Pywell. To say The Singers have made a good appointment would be something of an understatement. In a relatively short space of time Jessi has established a most productive and tangible rapport with the Choir. She is plainly an outstanding young musician and though the programme described her as vivacious, there were no fireworks or histrionics: she conducted throughout with an assured and controlled authority and drew real musicality from The Singers.

The programme ranged from Puccini’s Missa di Gloria, to three English pieces by Vaughan Williams, Purcell and Parry. The Singers rose to each challenge accordingly. In Purcell’s anthem Remember not Lord our offences, with unobtrusive accompaniment from Stephen Cooke on the Minster organ, we heard secure part singing and the Singers managed some of the curious harmonies with confidence.

In Puccini’s Mass the choral entries were light, almost spring like, and the opening of the Gloria was both playful and energetic. ‘In terra pax’ had a regal quality and especially in the ‘qui tollis’ sections it was great to see and hear the Singers so evidently enjoying the music.

There were many striking moments in the Credo, such as the strong bass lead at ‘Et resurrexit’, well imitated by the other three voices. Sometimes the strong brass and timpani, while creating a grand sound, over powered the Choir. However, the orchestra also provided some gentle moments such as the horn playing in the middle of this movement.

The two soloists, Matthew Sandy (tenor) and Timothy Murphy (bass), had strongly contrasting voices and each had solos in the Mass. Matthew brought a sweet innocence to the ‘et incarnatus’ and Tim’s mellow and dignified Benedictus was a high point of the evening.

The second half opened with the Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs. Matthew Sandy’s singing was a joy and he proved beyond doubt that he is a first rate exponent of the English song of this period. The Choir sang the final ‘Let all the world’ with clarity and vigour. Jessi directed this work particularly well, allowing the music to breathe, and the strings seemed entirely at home in this idiom.

The concert concluded with Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’. It confirmed that the Choir is embarking on a new chapter of its history as the sopranos have a younger brighter tone quality than previously, complementing the usual alto warmth, and balance is good, especially evident when the glorious tenor entry on ‘O may we once again renew that song’ shone through the texture in the closing section as they all moved towards their final well paced and beautifully phrased final cadence.

Bravo! We all look forward to the next Athenaeum Singers outing in June.

Alan Burgess         

 

 

 

                       

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