" The object of the Society is to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of choral music in all its aspects by presentation of public choral concerts and by such other ways as the Society

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REVIEW in Braintree & Witham Times, Wednesday 1 April 2009

SPRING CONCERT Witham and Dovercourt Choral Societies, Essex Training Choir, Colchester Philharmonic

St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall

 

WITH the combined forces of three choirs, a large orchestra, two soloists and a packed auditorium, there was a buzz of excitement before the start of the concert last Saturday. Parry's Coronation anthem, I Was Glad, was given a dignified rendition by the massed forces, and the youth choir gave an exquisite performance of two songs from Bullard's Pictures of Night. The conductor, Patrick McCarthy, led a measured Fauré Requiem, with the low strings providing mellow support for the singers.

Fanny Mari Torres (soprano) gave a glowing rendition of Pie Jesu, and the choir a moving account of Agnus Dei.

Jonathan Wagstaff (bass baritone) was firm and mellifluous throughout Libera Me, which was given a chilling conclusion by the choir.

 

With its use of poetic text and familiar religious words, the performance of Bryan Barnes' Thaxted Te Deum was a delight.

The youth choir eloquently portrayed the innocence of the opening, and there was some exuberant singing from the adult choir in We Praise Thee O God.

The soloists admirably portrayed the sentiments of the extraneous texts, and a rousing finale from the combined forces brought the work to a dramatic conclusion.

 

DAVID WOOD
 
 
 
 
Harwich Festival 2009
Friday evening took on a different look this year with a not so much a come and sing as a Singalong with music from Carousel and The Sound of Music providing the main fare, with a short dip into South Pacific and Showboat.
Sunday evening had an audience of over 400 people packed into St Nicholas for an evening culminating in flag waving  pomp and circumstance,  preceeded by Music from the Movies, such as Zadok the Priest and the Dambusters March as well as  a selection of British Sea Songs.
 
 
 
Two different views of the choir in 2008, above in full "battle dress" before the Last Night of the Harwich Festival and below in less formal attire for the Friends Summer Concert.