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Here are some selections from reviews of our recent concerts... 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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