AMATEUR CHORAL music is thriving following the celebratory performance of Barnt Green Choral Society on Saturday April 5 in North Bromsgrove High School, writes Lydia Gee.
The society performed two pieces by Sir John Rutter: the much-loved “Requiem” and the lesser known “Magnificat”, under the direction of Mr Steve Cowperthwaite.
The choir showed why the Requiem has become such a firm favourite with its warmth, flowing melodies and accessibility.
The standout moment was the Pie Jesu with its wonderful soprano solo.
By contrast the Magnificat is a joyous and uplifting piece with a rich sound and strong rhythms.
Both of these pieces show Rutter’s range, from gentle and serene sections to darker movements with more emotional depth.
Mr Cowperthwaite said: “Rutter’s music is often very lyrical and easy to listen to but there are some fiendishly difficult sections for the choir to master.
“We’ve all enjoyed the technical challenges of these pieces as well as their beautiful harmonies and melodies.”
The concert also saw the return of talented soprano soloist Jennifer Walker, who was once a pupil at North Bromsgrove High School.
She has since enjoyed an illustrious career as an award winning and exceptionally successful soloist.
She said: “I’m so pleased to be back in Bromsgrove.
“It’s great to see the local music scene thriving.”
The choir benefited from a small chamber ensemble which added real depth and colour to the pieces.
All the instrumentalists were excellent but there is a special mention for Molly Hartley of the Birmingham Conservatoire for her beautiful harp playing, and to Joseph Roberts’s remarkable cello playing.
For a local amateur choir to take on pieces of such intricacy and complexity, and to achieve such a high standard of performance, is a real credit to Cowperthwaite’s skill and all the singers and musicians.
