Reviews

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

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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)