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LEICESTER MERCURY 28/11/02 LEICESTER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, HANDEL'S MESSIAH
DE MONTFORT
HALL, SAT 23 REVIEW by NEIL CRUTCHLEY Phil choir impresses in Messiah THE Phil’s annual rendition of Messiah can always guarantee a good audience and a polished performance, but this latest account was particularly successful. The conductor was Brian Kay, the former chorus master of the renowned Huddersfield Choral Society. He brought a vast wealth of experience to his stylish, well-paced interpretation. The performance was further enhanced by the strong line-up of nicely-matched soloists: Gillian Flinter (soprano), Victoria Simmonds (contralto), Lynton Atkinson (tenor) and Ian Caddy (bass). The quality of the singing showed the choir to be on very good form with excellent tone, balance and diction. Kay made sure dynamic and emotional contrasts were carefully observed and drew a refined and supple response with the minimum of gestures. There was a beguiling lightness of touch in some choruses (e.g. All we like Sheep, His Yoke is Easy) and expressive power and excitement in others (And the Glory, Hallelujah). The effect was both moving and exhilarating. The playing of the chamber-sized Belmont Ensemble was equally impressive and provided admirable, well-graded support throughout. |
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