Saturday 19th April 2008 - Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
Choral delights from Formby Choral
Society
A TRIUMPH.” “Wonderful.” “Exhilarating.” “Very
moving.”
These were typical of the many complimentary comments I heard from members
of the audience after Saturday’s concert in which the Formby Choral
Society joined with the Birkenhead Choral Society and the choristers of Merchant
Taylors’ School to perform what are arguably the two finest choral compositions
of the last 50 years.
Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms presents formidable linguistic
and rhythmic difficulties but these were coped with more than adequately by
the combined choirs, numbering over 300. The treble solo in the second movement
was sung with confidence by 11-year-old James Orrell.
While the choir recovered from the exertions and concentration of the Bernstein,
we were treated to a beautiful and sensitive performance of Elgar’s
Sea Pictures by Victoria Byron, who learned her
singing in Formby before going on to the Royal Academy, ably supported by
the Liverpool Philharmonia Orchestra.
And then – The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins.
This powerful, profound and moving work was given a truly outstanding rendering
by choir and orchestra, with the two mezzo-soprano solos again sung beautifully
by Victoria Byron.
It is often easy, when praising fine singing and playing, to take for granted
the vital role of the conductor, who not only has to control the performers
on the night but needs to spend many hours in rehearsing – in this case,
no less than three separate choirs and then combining them together into a
coherent whole. The overall excellence of Saturday’s concert was due
in large measure to conductor David Holroyd, to whom those
of us fortunate to be present – either in the audience or as a participant
in the choir – should be deeply grateful.
We are indeed lucky to have such an accomplished and versatile musician in
our midst and long may he remain in Formby.
C.S.
Some other comments received
... what a great concert it was on Saturday - we really enjoyed it. The choir was in terrific voice and the overall effect was excellent - exactly as predicted, in fact!! I'm sure you must all have been delighted, but probably also exhausted by the end ... (SW)
We were overwhelmed by the power and emotion of the Armed Man and the energy
of the whole concert. It was mind-blowing. (MM)
I was fortunate to be able to attend the whole [afternoon] rehearsal and then
obtain a ticket for the evening. Congratulations to everyone involved
and especially to David for pulling off such a stunning performance.
(MH)
and from a regular, long-standing critic of FCS
Wow! I am still lost for words. When I have got
over the fact that I was so exhilarated and at the same time emotionally totally
drained, maybe I will be able to write something coherent. For now,
words simply do not suffice to explain what a powerful, and also enjoyable
concert this was. You had to be there - and I am so
glad that I was. I haven't missed a single performance by Formby Choral
Society in many a long year now - and when they join forces with Birkenhead
and Merchant Taylors' ... well, I knew I could expect something special, given
the music.
I've only one nagging thought - what on earth can they do next?
MC
Click here for previous reviews