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Here are some some reviews of our concerts... Bach B minor Mass, Saturday 22nd October 2011, St. Nicholas' Chapel Performances of Bach's B Minor Mass give essential information about the good health of a choir and its musical director. On Saturday Tom Appleton gave us a performance of spectacular agility, with well-chosen speeds and due attention to phrasing and articulation. The choir made light work of the intricate contrapuntal lines and had uniformly good tone, even when split into eight parts. Perhaps the fresh youthful sopranos and the consistently excellent tenors deserve a special mention. There were great dramatic contrasts, from the intense joy of Cum Sancto Spiritu to the sustained quiet singing of Et Incarnatus Est. The four young soloists sang with beauty and intelligence. The soprano Elenor Bowers-Jolley has a remarkable purity of tone which made for some memorable duetting with Beth Mackay, whose rich voice is thrilling throughout the register. The plangent, expressive voice of tenor Peter Davoren was particularly well used in the Benedictus, whilst the bass Alex Ashworth sang with warmth, authority and flexibility. The Meridian Sinfonia, a splendid young band of baroque specialists put the finishing touches to this highly enjoyable performance and gave us some marvellous solos. Bravo to all. Janet Kelsey, Eastern Daily Press 28th Oct 11 ------------------------------------ J.S. Bach’s Mass in B-Minor is widely regarded as the greatest and most difficult work of its kind ever written. The reputation held no fears for The King’s Lynn Festival Chorus as they demonstrated in their performance at St Nicholas’ Chapel. The chorus were absolutely on top form. Their entrances were faultless, the discipline and general control was inspiring, and, it must be remembered, that they sang entirely in Latin. Throughout, they were required to sing in four parts, five parts, six parts and eight parts, and conductor Tom Appleton drew from the great feeling and tonal colours, with attention to dynamics. They were accompanied by The Meridian Sinfonia, an orchestra brought together especially for the occasion. Their instruments were either historically correct copies of original period instruments or authentic ones from the time that Bach wrote the music. The team was completed by four soloists of outstanding quality. The horn was required in only one movement but the player contributed a memorable contribution. Superb describes the performance. David Johnson, Lynn News, Wednesday 26 October 2011 Festival Chorus Great Ambassadors While holidaying recently in Bruges, Belgium, my wife and I by chance were passing one of its many churches just as a concert by the touring King's Lynn Festival Chorus was due to begin. We were lured in, and were extremely glad we had decided to attend, since the singing and presentation were of a very high standard. This was appreciated by locals and tourists alike, and reflects very well upon your local community Letter to King's Lynn News Jeremy Neville, Wendover, Buckinghamshire June 2011 "Where There's Brass There's A Festive Feeling" (A Celebration of Carols, St. Nicholas' Chapel, December 12th 2010) The annual Celebration of Carols is a special seasonal "must" which signalled the start of Christmas for the hundreds who packed the chapel. The choir's new music director, Tom Appleton, put his mark on the occasion and created an impressive opening with the 100-strong chorus singing from the back of the chapel before processing on to the platform. One of the highlights of the programme was their performance of Benjamin Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols', a collection of attractive settings of medieval and 16th century poems, with Melanie Jones playing the harp. Another popular addition was the involvement of Mardi Brass, a versatile and dynamic brass quintet who entertained with a medley of works which sounded particularly effective in the chapel with its wonderful acoustic. The brass players also teamed up with the chorus to perform the quintet's lively and interesting arrangements of popular carols and Christmas songs. It proved a great combination so it was good to learn that early next year they are to record a CD together in the chapel. The concert concluded with a boisterous rendering of 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'. (Alison Croose, Lynn News) "A Dramatic Performance with Star Quality" (Monteverdi Vespers, St. Nicholas' Chapel, November 14th 2010) The 400th anniversary of one of the greatest choral works was marked in great style by King's Lynn Festival Chorus with one of Britain's most acclaimed sopranos as guest soloist. Dame Emma Kirkby added star quality to a memorable occasion as the 100-strong chorus also joined forces with the splendid voices of soprano Bethany Seymour, tenors Peter Davoren and Matthew Long and bass-baritones Richard Bannan and Bartholomew Lawrence. An additional treat was the significant involvement of QuintEssential, 10 early music specialists who play on period instruments. Add to that the chapel's wonderful acoustics and a sell-out audience of 650 agreed this was a very special occasion. From the spine-tingling opening when the chorus and musicians encircled the audience, to the concluding Magnificat, all elements melded perfectly - thanks to the expertise of Tom Appleton, the chorus' music director. With the choir singing up to eight parts, and the male soloists sometimes out of sight singing in echo, it was a dramatic performance which must have been the biggest challenge yet for the chorus. Tom Appleton raised them to new heights and they came through with full honours (Alison Croose Lynn News) "Singers' Festival Triumph Last Year Was Clearly No One-off" Blake, King's Lynn Corn Exchange, 4th November 2010 These clean-cut young men proved their durability on their return to Lynn with an emotionally charged performance in which their classical training shone through. Blake won an army of fans at Lynn Festival last year- but would they make the same impact second time around? The answer was a resounding "yes" and another full house delighted in their wide-ranging programme which seamlessly bridged the gap between opera and pop with strong backing from Martin Riley on keyboard. Blakes rich harmonies were equally effective in music from Rachmaninov and U2, film music and numbers including the spiritual 'Steal Away', the lovely Scottish song 'White Mountain Thyme' and the Beach Boys. The four music college friends, including Norfolk-born Humphrey Berney, were joined on stage by 30 elite singers of the Kings Lynn Festival Chorus to add power to 'Hallelujah', 'Nessun Dorma' and the concluding anthem 'Jerusalem'. Wow! (Alison Croose, King's Lynn News) Tom Appleton also received the following e-mail... 'Thank you for the great singers who joined us at King's Lynn. They made a lovely sound and were great to work with.' Humphrey Berney - Blake -November 2010 "Composer's presence add to the occasion of anniversary concert" King's Lynn Festival Concert, July 2010, King's Lynn Corn Exchange There is something quite special about sitting through a performance with the composer in the room. The energy of the Corn Exchange reflected the choir's desire to do justice to Patricia Evan's 35th anniversary choral tribute to Lady Fermoy. They were guided through the challenging work with great concentration and the deft touch of thye conductor meant both the choir and composer were rewarded with rapturous applause. It was a dynamic programme with elements that suited the skilled amateur choir. The rousing crescendos in Handel's 'Dixit Dominus' showed off a rich tone and the warmth filled the auditorium. I was never privileged enough to see the choir perform under the old regime, but young Tom Appleton is certainly showing good stewardship. His choice of soprano soloists also showed good judgement. Oner of the highlights of the concert for me was the haunting soprano duet, De torrente in via bibet, in the Handel. Elenor Bowers-Jolley and Zoë Brown sung with great musicality accompanied by the world-renowned English Chamber Orchestra who proved their calibre. The theme of the concert was a celebration of music and the energetic version of happy birthday festival as the encore reflected what had been an engaging concert. It is a tune which will no doubt be heard again over the coming 10 days (Annabelle Dickson EDP) "Talents abound at memorable concert" King's Lynn Festival Concert, July 2010, King's Lynn Corn Exchange One hundred-plus chorus, five excellent soloists, a first-rate accompanist, supported by musicians from one of the world's chasmber orchestras, all under the direction of a talented young conductor and the scene is set for a memorable evening of choral/vocal music-making. The opening piece, Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus displayed the high standard no3 achieved by thye Lynn Festival Chorus as they brought out the feelig of the work. Following this was 'To Music' composed by Patricia Evans as a tribute to Ruth Lady Fermoy and premiered at the festival in 1975. A demanding work, sung unaccompanied, with the chorus rising to the occasion. In Vaughn Williams' 'Serenade to Music' the soloists Elenor Bowers-Jolley and Zoe Brown (sopranos), Martha McLorinan (alto), Jason Darnell (tenor) and Sam Evans (bass) came into their own. This was followed by Mozart's 'Exultate Jubilate' sung by Bowers-Jolley who obviously enjoyed every moment. The second half consisted of Handel's 'Dixit Dominus', a deeply moving performance of this great work. The audience gave the greatest ovation I have ever heard. There was a jolly little version of Happy Birthday dear festival in which everyone took part (David Johnson, Lynn News) New Beginnings: Sunday March 28th 2010, King's Lynn Corn Exchange This was the first concert given by the festival chorus under the direction of new musical director Tom Appleton. Inevitably, a new MD would stamp his signature on the chorus and this was certainly so when Appleton displayed his undoubted talents which have flourished as a chorister at London's St Paul's Cathedral and as a member of the Monteverdi Choir, amongst other groups. Three pieces of sacred music made up the first half beginning with 'Cantate Domino' by Heinrich Schutz, the conductor immediately drawing from the choir a clarity of brightness and tone. This was followed by 'In the Beginning' by Aaron Copland, being a setting of the story of the Creation. The audience was introduced to American soloist mezzo-soprano Meg Bragle whose vocal clarity brought out the full meaning of the biblical text. After the interval, we had songs ranging from one by Henry VIII through others arranged by Ward Swingle to works by Lennon and McCartney. Whatever demands were put on the singers they responded with great verve and enthusiasm. Bragle returned to sing 'Yesterday' displaying how she encompassed the various styles of the songs. There were also three piano pieces from John Byron, accompanist and assistant MD of the chorus. He revealed a formidable technique and sensitivity with three works by Bach arranged by Rachmaninov, Poulenc and Jacques Loussier. The concert concluded with a superb rendition by the chorus of 'You are the New Day'. (David Johnson, Lynn News, April 2nd 2010) New Beginnings: A New Song Spring Concert 2010, Kings Lynn Corn Exchange "Musical Director Has An Inventive Concert Style" His aim was to make performances exciting and informative, and his debut as the new musical director of the chorus was certainly all that and more. Tom Appleton is obviously intent on making music fun and informal, and in a refreshingly innovative style there was much to amuse and appreciate in this concert from the massed voices of the Kings Lynn Festival Chorus. In a thoroughly entertaining evening that went by all too quickly, the audience were presented with an eclectic programme that featured music from Bach to the Beatles and from Henry VIII to Copland. And wow, what a wonderful evening it proved to be, with the men and women singers clearly enjoying a programme that was, at times, quite challenging and demanding for amateurs. Mezzo soprano soloist Meg Bragle contributed greatly to the evening. Mr. Appleton, who conducted the concert, is clearly not frightened of breaking down traditional concert presentation styles with the choir members moving around the auditorium including the side balconies and entering from the rear of the theatre. At one point Mr. Appleton joined the singers for a rest on stage while they listened to the accomplished playing of piano accompanist, John Byron. In an altogether programme it is difficult to choose favourite items, but I particularly enjoyed Copland's 'In the Beginning', the Ward Swingle arrangements and Blackbird/I will. If this is a new beginning for this talented group of singers, bring it on! (Richard Parr, Eastern Daily Press, 30th March 2010) The Glory of Christmas Concert 2009 St Nicholas' Chapel, King's Lynn "The chorus could not have paid a finer tribute to their inspirational music director, Michael Kibblewhite, at their final concert after eight stupendous years together. Mr Kibblewhite has transformed the 100-strong chorus and they gave an exemplary performance to mark his farewell at their annual Christmas concert. From the spine-tingling, candle-lit processional opening to the particularly poignant Irish Blessing ending, the chorus demonstrated just how far they have progressed under the leadership of Mr Kibblewhite who has made a significant contribution to the musical life of West Norfolk. The wide-ranging programme included Hubert Parry's powerful 'I Was Glad', the first movement of John Rutter's 'Gloria', the exciting 'Te Deum' composed by William Walton for the Queen's Coronation and Alexandra Saunders' beautiful soprano solo, 'Ave Maria'. The wonderful sounds were complemented by organist and pianist Jonathan Lilley and Trillium Brass who added an exciting extra dimension and highlighted the chapel's superb acoustic. The audience joined in singing some favourite carols. Mr Kibblewhite, who endorsed the appointment of his "inspirational and dynamic" successor Tom Appleton, received the ultimate send-off when the chorus and packed audience gave him a well-deserved standing ovation". (Eastern Daily Press 14th December 2009) Performers In Fine Voice As Festival Gets Under Way (Opening King's Lynn Festival 2009) The ever-popular King's Lynn Festival began on Sunday evening with considerable quality in a concert of mainly choral works. It is some time I last heard the chorus and their standard has been raised several notches as they immediately showed in the choral gem, the Faure Requiem. Without scores and giving drama to the opening, they continued with well-balanced and controlled singing with impressive tonal gradation under the inspiring conducting of Michael Kibblewhite. Sarah Power's fresh, clear soprano was meticulously placed in the Pie Jesu alongside the light, relaxed baritone of Philip Tebb. Together with the solidarity of the splendid European Union Chamber Orchestra directed by Hans-Peter Hofmann it was a performance to savour. Later the choir portrayed well the mystery and a cappella harmonies of American composer Eric Whitacre's "Water Night" before some confident singing in Haydn's St. Nicholas' Mass- although this time the top line could have benefitted from a little more vocal depth. Completing a solo quartet Ann Huntley (mezzo-soprano) and tenor Daniel Joy sang the Kyrie and Et incarnates with great feeling and gave the Benedictus, so often the focal point of a sung mass, a joyful quality. The programme was completed with Mozart's Oboe Concerto in C major beautifully crafted by the young Spanish soloist Vincente Castello (Michael Drake, Eastern Daily Press 14th July 2009) Festival proves to be smash hit The 59th Lynn Festival got off to a cracking start at the weekend with a sell-out concert. The Lynn-based Festival Chorus and the European Union Chamber Orchestra wowed the audience with a brilliant evening at St Nicholas' Chapel on Sunday. Festival press officer Alison Croose said: "It was a sell-out. What a great start and how lovely to be in the chapel with its wonderful acoustics. It was fantastic" (Lynn News, 14th July 2009) Carmina Burana Spring 2009 Carl Orff's magnificent cantata was the centrepiece of the King's Lynn Festival Chorus concert - but what a treat was served up as an appetiser. Music director Michael Kibblewhite produced yet another memorable occasion with a world tour beginning with Variations on a Theme by Paganini for two pianos played by Ann Martin-Davis and John Byron. The chorus contribution included an animated arrangement of a Nigerian folk song, Let's Dance, the beautiful Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit and a classical arrangement of Shenandoah. The energy of the performance was electrifying - but it took nothing away from their presentation of Carmina Burana. The singers were joined on stage by the splendid Nemano Percussion Ensemble, highly-talented soloists Lesley-Jane Rogers (soprano), Grant Doyle (baritone) and Andres Hernandez Salazar (tenor), the two pianists and the charming and confident Springwood High School Junior Choir. The familiar sounds of the opening O Fortuna were delivered with huge impact and, with lighting effects adding to the atmosphere, Michael Kibblewhite guided the performers through the driving rhythms of a work characterised by its simple vivacity. The combination of vocal and percussive force was most impressive and the large audience responded enthusiastically. (Eastern Daily Press 24th March 2009) Glory of Christmas 2008 Christmas truly began for the 600 people packed into the chapel's pews when the 100-strong chorus raised their voices in a programme of joyous seasonal music. Even the cold could not mar the audience's pleasure in The Glory of Christmas as delivered by the chorus under the expert direction of Michael Kibblewhite. The chapel's wonderful atmosphere and acoustic enhances every occasion - and this was no exception. An exciting added dimension was the five-piece Trillium Brass. They introduced Hark! The Herald Angels Sing with a splendid fanfare and provided a delightful medley of favourite carols as well as accompanying some of the chorus items. The programme was an interesting mix of traditional favourites which the audience joined in singing, plus beautiful arrangements of a variety of other seasonal music such as two versions of In Dulci Jubilo, two John Rutter carols, a complex carol composed by pianist John Byron, and Kibblewhite's own enchanting arrangement of Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. From the sopranos' candlelit processional Medieval chant, which opened the concert to the chorus's warm rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas, it was an occasion to be savoured. (Eastern Daily Press 15th December 2008) Haydn's Creation Performances of great choral works like the Creation are experiences to be savoured, and this interpretation, by the King's Lynn Festival Chorus and the Orchestra of the Swan, gave this famous Haydn work a freshness and pace which the large audience found immensely enjoyable. The Archangels Gabriel (soprano Madeleine Pierard), Uriel (tenor Tyler Clarke) and Raphael (bass Samuel Evans) narrated in solos and duets the first six days of creation, and in the final part bass and soprano take over the roles of Adam and Eve. The soloists were a joy to hear as the work unfolded. The bass voice of Samuel Evans had a strong dramatic element. In their bright, coloured tops, the 102 members of the chorus created a vibrant vista on the stage and their combined voices rose admirably to the challenge of such a great piece of oratorio. Deserved warm applause followed for musicians, soloists and chorus. A festival highlight indeed. (Richard Parr, Eastern Daily Press 22 July 2008) Spine-tingling performance Christmas began in style for the hundreds who packed the chapel to enjoy a spine-tingling performance of Handel's glorious Messiah. The chorus departed their traditional pattern of carols and Christmas music for their December entertainment by taking on the mighty challenge of a seasonal masterpiece. Their renowned choral director Michael Kibblewhite brought together all the vital elements to create a triumphant occasion which fully deserved the standing ovation that greeted the final Amen. The 100-strong chorus is full of enthusiasm and determination, and Mr. Kibblewhite continues to lift them to new heights. They had the added inspiration of the dynamically versatile Brandenburg Sinfonia and four accomplished soloists, Bibi Heal (soprano), Diana Moore (mezzo-soprano), Christopher Diffet (tenor) and Callum Thorpe (bass). Mr. Kibblewhite drew together all the threads, creating notable interaction between soloists and orchestra. All this delightful shared musicality was enacted in the ideal setting of the beautiful chapel where the famed acoustic enabled all aspects of the music and singing to be appreciated to the full. According to tradition the audience stood for a thrilling delivery of the Hallelujah Chorus and remained on their feet to applaud. (Eastern Daily Press December 2007 on the 'Messiah' concert) Ear entranced, soul stirred At this time of year, across this land, and possibly other lands also, choirs and choral societies, large and small, are presenting their Christmas concerts of carols and other festive music. This year Lynn Festival Chorus eschewed tradition, and instead presented what is arguably the greatest and most popular of all oratorios, Handel's Messiah, in St. Nicholas, on Saturday, December 8, before a capacity audience. They were joined by soloists Bibi Heal (soprano), Diana Moore (mezzo soprano), Christopher Diffey (tenor) and Callum Thorpe (bass). The accompaniment was provided by The Brandenburg Sinfonia, and the music director was Michael Kibblewhite. The Sinfonia produced its own distinctive sound, reminiscent of authentic period instruments and displayed great virtuosity throughout. When I learned that Michael Kibblewhite was re-auditioning every chorus member and dispensing with the services of several, I was concerned about the effect on the chorus. My fears were unfounded, the result being a leaner body of singers producing a performance of great clarity and precision, with all entrances and phrase endings being absolutely spot on as they displayed complete unanimity with the conductor, drawing from them outstanding dynamics and conviction. The high point of the evening was of course The Hallelujah Chorus, which produced a great degree of tingle factor, not only in the audience but also, I understand, in the singers. The new chorus is at its peak. Perhaps it would benefit from a few more tenors (what chorus wouldn't), but this was a superb performance, enhanced by St. Nicholas' acoustics, and was both inspired and inspiring. (Lynn News December 14th 2007, on the 'Messiah' concert) Is there anything the Chorus can't do? "The blaze of colour from their shirts and blouses dispelled my concern about whether the discipline required for their usual repertoire of Mozart and Vivaldi might inhibit their performance of these more popular works. With the opening note of 'Lullaby of Broadway' my concerns evaporated, such was the verve that the music director drew from the chorus through the wide-ranging selection...Is there anything that Lynn Chorus is not now able to tackle? On Sunday's performance it would seem not" (Lynn News March 2007 on the 'Broadway and Beyond' Concert) "I was greatly impressed by new accompanist and assistant music director John Byron, as he displayed his versatility and outstanding technique in Gershwin's 'Three Preludes', in a rendition that was one of the concert's high spots" (Lynn News March 2007 on the 'Broadway and Beyond' Concert) Glorious King's Lynn Festival Chorus brought closer the feeling of Christmas "Michael Kibblewhite guided his forces through a wide variety of differing pieces, including Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. But the most challenging piece was Judith Bingham's 'Epiphany'. Very demanding, with a very highly-placed vocal line for the ladies and long demanding phrases. Another unusual piece was Tsaba Tsaba from Botswana...The chorus goes form strength to strength under Mr. Kibblewhite's tutelage with a rise in standard in every performance" (Eastern Daily Press December 2006 on the 'Glory of Christmas' concert) Event is a 'must' for festive calendar "The combination of excellent singing of seasonal music in a splendid setting plus plenty of audience participation makes the concert a "must" on the December calendar" (Lynn News December 2006 on the 'Glory of Christmas' concert) After that song in Russian, our next will be in Latin... "The chorus sang with great enthusiasm and commitment throughout, paying great attention to dynamics, as director Michael Kibblewhite led them through these difficult pieces...this was a superb performance, with St. Nicholas' Chapel's wonderful acoustic qualities enhancing an outstanding evening" (Lynn News March 2006 on the 'Brass and Voices' concert) Inspiring night for all at vast chapel "The singers responded positively, clearly relishing the opportunity to progress under Mr. Kibblewhite's expert leadership and tuition. The eight-piece Trillium Brass Ensemble's excellent musicianship complemented the voices, and Mr. Kibblewhite used the chapel's space to underline the quality of the sound from each" (Eastern Daily Press March 2006 on the 'Brass and Voices' concert) |
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