CONCERT REVIEW

By Ray Stamford, former Head of Music at a Cambridgeshire College

A packed St Swithun's Church enjoyed the latest New Elizabethan Singers' concert on Saturday, which consisted of works by British composers: Britten's St Nicolas, Vaughan Williams's Five Mystical Songs and the first public performance of local composer Matt Coleridge's Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis.

Throughout the evening the choir demonstrated an ability to master demanding passages such as those in the Britten, and were especially effective when supporting soloist Andrew Thompson in the quieter movements of the Vaughan Williams. In louder passages they also sang with great accuracy and verve, such as in the same piece's closing Antiphon.

Although the choir was mostly well balanced with the orchestra, piano duet and organ, the percussion section was occasionally too dominant especially in sections of the Britten. Here, however, the strong voice of professional tenor soloist Graham Neal brought command and pathos to the role of St Nicolas, while the three 'pickled boys' were delightfully brought to life by choristers Jeremy, William and Oscar from Exeter Cathedral Choir. Not to be outdone, the audience seized their opportunity to join in the two congregational hymns with great relish.

Earlier this year, Bridport was privileged to hear conductor Matt Coleridge's Requiem. Tonight's finale demonstrated the development of his compositional technique and included passages of joyful lyricism which the choir clearly enjoyed singing, the final Gloria ringing out with evident enthusiasm and bringing the audience to its feet.

Well done to all concerned and many thanks to everyone who helped make this a very special evening.