LEICESTER MERCURY

26/11/01

LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, MESSIAH, DE MONTFORT HALL, SAT 24 NOV 2001

REVIEW byJOYCE PARKIN

Moved by Messiah

Leicester Philharmonic choir gave a spirited interpretation of Messiah with the accompanying Orchestra da Camera, under the excellent direction of the eminent Nicholas Cleobury.

Soloists were Jane Webster (soprano), Louise Mott (contralto), a clear, full voice, Richard Edgar-Wilson (tenor) with his sprightly Every Valley.

The flexible bass -  the best I have heard for some time -  was Simon Kirkbride. His pure quality excelled in Why Do the Nations, with clear runs - the absolute example of bass baroque singing.

There was a lovely rendering of the duet He Shall Feed His Flock.

The Orchestra da Camera is an excellent chamber orchestra, giving fine accompaniment in a light, delicate vein, well suited to this work.

Leicester Philharmonic Choir is improving concert by concert and they gave us an enlightening and uplifting performance at this annual event.

The story of Messiah was told with the joy at Nativity the desperation of Passion and the rejoicing at the Fulfulments.

In this example, diction was excellent, there was a fairly balanced sound, given the minimal number of tenors, and we experienced a crisp and precise performance, the whole meaning of Messiah being given with conviction.