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Royston Choral Society ‘Songs of Love’ at Barkway Parish Church 29th June 2019

On the hottest day of the year so far, a large and appreciative audience gathered in the coolness of Barkway Church for Royston Choral Society’s summer concert.

The theme of the concert was ‘Love’. This was the thread woven through the musical programme but it was also an evening that celebrated a love of singing by performers and audience alike. Pianists Simon Bland and Warwick Hewson opened the evening with a compelling performance of Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor for piano duet. The performance was a journey of emotions, beautifully played showing the contrasts in the dramatic and more intimate moments. The Laurdisen Nocturnes were sung with moments of quiet reverence and some well-balanced choral harmonies. Under Andrew O’Brien's direction the choir explored an exciting range of dynamics and gave a particularly emotional rendition of ‘Sure on this shining night’.

We were then introduced to Alexander L’Estrange’s setting of songs ‘Love’s philosophy’. In these three songs we enjoyed beautiful lilting melodies and a charming performance. The blend of voices in this was excellent. Simon Bland’s sensitive accompaniment supported the choir very well.

The second half of the concert opened with Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer. The work is accompanied by piano duet and Simon and Warwick joined the choir to perform these. We were transformed to the Viennese ballroom for these varied songs, sung in German. The solos by Ann Hoptroff and Andrew O’Brien were a particular delight.

The conclusion of the programme was a first performance of a setting of the Welsh Lullaby Suo Gân. This was arranged by Richard Prince, a former director of RCS and now a member of the bass section. This beautiful and moving arrangement captivated the audience and included solos sensitively sung by Ann Hoptroff and Olivia Tomkins. You can view a recording of this made during the concert by Sue Sanders here. There are other photos from the concert here.

How lovely to enjoy this conclusion to the RCS 2018/19 season. Congratulations to the choir, the pianists and to Andrew O’Brien who continues to inspire the choir. The programme for 2019/20 looks challenging and exciting as this choir develops and explores more of the choral greats!

Michael Smith

Review of St John's Passion by J.S.Bach, Ashwell Church    
6th April 2019

This beautiful piece of work was undertaken by Royston Choral Society and Haileybury Choral Society. In the first part we commenced with the choir giving an accomplished opening singing in the original German text. The singing and diction was clear and built up the excitement of the opening piece with hushed tones when required and strong crescendos.

We were then introduced to the soloists including the evangelist Daniel Joy, Jesus, Lukas Kargl, alto Kate Symonds-Joy and soprano Elisabeth Weisberg. We were treated to the beautiful tones of the tenor aria performed by Matthew Keighley. East Herts Sinfonia accompanied all with accuracy and fluency. They worked well under the direction of Andrew O'Brien, the musical director.

The second part, even more challenging, we found the choir did not disappoint with their passionate cries of ‘kreuzige’ adding to the drama of the piece. We were introduced to Pilate, Philip Craven, who came through showing his desire to fulfil the will of the people.

The final large chorus of ‘Ruht Wohl’ was delivered with care and commitment and left the audience clear that this was a hugely moving and sensitive piece which underlined the tragedy of the story of the crucifixion.

The concert was well attended ( rightfully so) and we look forward to hearing these accomplished singers at future events.

A.Prosser/ P.Rock

Further pictures from the concert courtesy of Sue Sanders can be found here

Royston Choral Society put on a festive treat for their Christmas concert.

The evening began with Benjamin Britten’s ‘A Ceremony of Carols’, performed by the ladies of the chorus, starting with the traditional procession. One of Britten’s most appealing and accessible works, the singing throughout was bright, accurate and energetic, particularly impressive in the intricate 3-part canon of ‘This Little Babe’. The audience were treated to some accomplished solos and the choir was accompanied beautifully by harpist Ruth Holden.

The gentlemen returned to the chorus for the second half of the concert, which brought both old favourites and refreshing newer versions of Yuletide staples, including a lovely setting of ‘Rocking’ by one of the chorus members. The choir displayed their sensitivity and precision with some wonderful pianissimo singing in ‘Infant Holy, Infant Lowly’, and raised the roof with a joyful rendition of ‘Ding! Dong! Merrily on high’, an arrangement by Tabernacle Choir director Mack Wilberg which also gave pianist Michael Smith a chance to shine.

Audience members also had a chance to dust off their vocal chords and join in with 3 traditional carols, ensuring everyone went home filled with Christmas spirit.

Elizabeth Tattersall

The pictures from the concert, courtesy of Sue Sanders, can be found here