What the Papers say... |
| ‘UPLIFTING EVENING OF SONG’ Excellent raised staging in St Andrew’s Church and enthusiastic conducting and singing from musical director Ellis Bell gave a zing to Halstead and District Choral Society’s concert last week. Rutter’s marvelous Magnificat also owed much to soloist Linda Hart’s descant. Before this, the basses’ first entry and the Sopranos sustained last note of A Lovely Rose, plus the antiphonal opening section, indicated the choir’s commitment to this work. Vivaldi’s Gloria revealed some spirited attack from the sopranos in Domine Deus, pleasing tenor tones despite their number, in Cum Sancto and the best dynamics of the night in Quonium To Solus . As town mayor David Hume said, this was a joyous and uplifting evening. Pat Rudkins 19th March 2010.
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Choral Society's never been betterChristmas Concert 2008Halstead Choral Society's carol concert, under musical director Mark Bellis, was programmed to perfection. The choir shone from the contgregational descants to the stand-alone numbers. How well the men sounded when they took the top line in the latter. I have never heard their balance sound better. Tony Percival was everywhere. he superbly demonstrated the repertoire of the St Andrew's Church organ in his solos and, on piano, deftly accompanied the singers. What a wonderful asset he is. Brian Firmin read with gusto and eager voices from Richard de Clare Primary School sang their hearts out. Compere Sam Swainsbury's Santa jokes kept young and old amused. Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 23/12/08 |
Flag WaversSummer PromMore than 100 people packed into a church to wave flags and sing at their town's The Proms. Holy Trinity Church in Halstead hosted Saturday's event where musicians and singers presented a traditional programme. Catherine Turner, spokeman for Halstead and District Choral Society said: 'Many arrived dressed in red, white and blue, brought flags and enjoyed all the cheering and playfulness of the last night of the proms. 'Holy Trinity Church was festooned with banners and flags for the concert.' Soprano soloist Julie Roberts was accompanied by Anthony Percival on the organ and Beth Spendlove's Kingfisher Ensemble. The choir's next concert is on November 1 at St Andrew's Church, Halstead. Halstead Gazette 20/06/08 |
Society at its bestSam Swainsbury, Ramsey School old boy and actor son of chairman Maggie, did Halstead and District Choral Society proud in its Summer Prom last Saturday. His witty, well-researched compering gave the concert a delightful boost. In this Vaughan Williams year, the choir excelled in his Just As The Tide Was Flowing. Tony Percival's organ intro and the tuneful singing that followed was what this society does best. Rutter's Suite for Strings was a showcase for musical director Mark Bellis's talented contacts, The Kingfisher Ensemble. Lusty audience participation completed this very successful occasion. Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 20/06/08 Stars shine at choral showHome-grown stars Tony Percival and Eddy Morley shone in the concert presented by the Halstead and District Choral Society. On St Andrew's Church organ, Tony Percival sparkeled with superb dynamics. His first solo was breathtaking, and he then formed a great Handel partnership with soprano Suzanne Williams and was a sympathetic accompanist to everyone. The dulcet tones of tenor Eddie Morley rose in solo lines, from the depleted male ranks to emphasise what a magnificent contribution his 50 years of society service has been. Bravo to both talented musicians. The choir also did justice to dirctor Mark Bellis's own composition. Pat Rudkins 28/03/08 Halstead Gazette 500 Years of English Choral Music - March 2008In fine voice for season'It certainly was a Joyeux Noel in Halstead's St. Andrews's Church on Saturday when musical director Mark Bellis, in an exquisite programme, backed the young voices from Ramsey College with those of Halstead and District Choral Society. The choir's jolly Gounod was another delight as were the audience carols. Tony Percival excelled in his solo organ spot, dynamics and phrasing combined sublimely. As for the talented Aquila Trio, they deserve a concert to themselves.' Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 14/12/07
50th Year Celebratory Concert - June 2007Choir hits the right notesJoy abounded at Halstead and District Choral Society's diamond jubilee concert of well chosen Handel music, at St Andrew's Church last Saturday night. Mark Bellis' enthusiastic conducting and Beth Spendlove's most-able orchestra, especially some awesome trumpeters, particularly inspired the society's small but significant band of tenors, both in the Te Deum and in the final anthem. As always, albeit in a lower register, Andrew Carpenter did not disappoint. The whole choir excelled in the realistic tempo of the Hallelujah Chorus. At the heart of it all was Anthony Percival. His unobtrusive rhythmic accompaniment and solo organ performance proved, yet again what a glorious treasure he has been for 35 years. Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 22/06/07 Elijah - April 2007
Ideal balance for performanceAs I took my seat, I pondered how this performance of Elijah might sound. Would Mendelssohn's masterwork be treated with Victorian sentimentality? Or would it have a dash of operatic flavour? Over the years, performances have tended to favour these two approaches. In Coggeshall, the combined forces of Braintree and Halstead choracl societies and a fine quartet of soloists garthered to perform Mendelssohn's dramatic account of the Old Testament prophet. But which of these two options would the conductor Robert Poysner adopt? Thankfully neither. From the outset, it was clear that this was a fast-paced, energetic and intense performance. With Poysner's deft handling of the forces, there was no place for sentimental wallowing or operatic outbursts, and the performance was all the better for it. In the title role, the bass Roger Lawrence used his clear expression and excellent diction to good effect. He instinctively knew how to portray the sentiments of the plot; he mocked and goaded the chorus, acted as a prophet of doom, and eventually reconciled the situation with his authoritative but calming tones. The tenor, Alex Pidgen won over the audience with his effortless and fluid phrasing. Janet Moore (mezzo soprano) was clear toned and vibrant, and Julia Wilson-James (soprano) sang with poise and clarity throughout. The four soloists combined well for a seamless rendition of Cast Thy Burden and there were fine performances from William Hiett (treble) and Katie Miller (second soprano). The interactive chorus clearly relished and enjoyed their role in the proceedings. The orchestra was supportive and never dominant, and some fine instrumental highlights added to the voices. The raw energy and fugal complexity of the final choruses was particularly effective. This was a direct and engaging performance that was much enjoyed by the large audience. David H Wood in the Braintree Times 02/05/2007 Halstead and District Choral Society members joined forces with their Braintree counterparts last week, in Coggeshall Church, to present a mighty Elijah. The 100-plus voices were heard to best effect in Help Lord and the Baal choruses. They needed all their concentration under Robert Poyser's brisk second-half baton until soloists Janet Moore and Alex Pidgen triumphed. Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 27/04/07 Christmas Fantasia - December 2006New Musical Director off to a flying start.A Christmas Fantasia presented by Halstead and District Choral Society in Halstead's St Andrew's Church revealed new musical director Mark Bellis to be a top-notch composer. The choir's world premiere of his arrangement Unto Us a Boy is Born was hauntingly poignant in its simplicity. Elsewhere on the varied programme, baritone soloist Andrew Carpenter soared beautifully over the swell, while Tony Percival played both the piano and organ admirably. David Iles' youngest pupils from Richard de Clare Primary School sang their little socks off and Brian Firmin's humorous readings brought the house down.' Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette 22/12/06 Handel's Messiah - June 2006'Hallelujah for the choral society Handel's Messiah is captivating, but challenging.Congratulations, therefore to Halstead and District Choral Society for producing such a glorious evening of music last Saturday in St Andrew's Church, Halstead. Fittingly, at his last concert with the society, director Toby Parr, when he emerged from behind the harpsichord achieved some thrilling contributions from a choir that has achieved so much. A rousing Lift Up Your Heads paved the second-half way to an Hallelujah that was the pinnacle of audience rapture. Well-known soloists, tenor Patrick McCarthy, alto Janet Bullard and bass David Wood, added the required ballast as did Alan Bullard at the organ. Appropriately, sweet-voiced solo soprano and society member Gillian Wilson, was joined in Rejoice Greatly by the faint vocal strains of World Cup celebrators on the hill! There were some noteworthy performances in the accompanying orchestra too, lead cellist Di Naylor, a former deputy headteacher at Hedingham School, and timpanist Richard Hubbard. As for the Trumpet Shall Sound, it was outstanding - Steve Drury and John Malam played superbly.' Pat Rudkins, Halstead Gazette. 16/06/2006 |