St Mary's Church, Chepstow was packed to capacity with an audience of over three hundred people, and every available seat sold, for the Mozart 250th Anniversary Concert at the beginning of April. Chepstow Choral Society was joined by a first class orchestra comprising many of the young instrumentalists who have now become very much the established players for the Society's major choral and orchestral concerts, along with some who were playing with the orchestra in Chepstow for the first time.
The Society was delighted to welcome four outstanding soloists, all of whom are London-based, and sing with the BBC singers, as well as pursuing solo careers in their own rights., The audience was treated to some magnificent quartet singing in the two choral works programmed for the evening, the Vespers solennes de confessore, and the famous Requiem. Charlotte Ives (soprano), Sian Menna (mezzo-soprano), Christopher Bowen (tenor) and Edward Price (bass) were all individually outstanding, and excelled as a quartet ensemble. Of particular note were the three solo quartet movements in the Requiem, which included the famous Tuba Mirum, with its stunning opening for bass solo and trombone, performed on this occasion quite superbly, and the beautifully moving Laudate Dominum movement for soprano solo with choir in the Vespers, which enabled everyone in the church to appreciate the quality of the singing. The choral singing throughout the evening was totally committed and praiseworthy, and it was highly encouraging , not only for the Society, but also for the future of choral singing in Chepstow and possible future presentations of this calibre, that the vocal balance of the choir is continuing to improve. Choral Societies cannot exist without singers in all parts, and Chepstow Choral Society is very happy that much hard work and effort is now bearing fruit. In an era when small town choral societies have to fight hard for recognition, the town has good cause to be pleased that its Choral Society has both the confidence and the musicianship to be able to present large programmes and undertakings such as this particular concert. This does not mean that there is a degree of complacency. New singers, particularly basses and tenors, are welcome, and the message to anyone who has a desire to maintain choral singing, and who has some choral singing experience, even if this is limited, is to come along and join!
In an evening which was a tribute to the Society, one of the most rewarding factors to note was the enthusiasm and willingness of music lovers in the town and surrounding area to come out and support what was a major local music event in this Mozart Anniversary year. The Society was delighted to be able to perform these two wonderful choral works, and it was a great privilege to be hosts to such fine soloists - and the reception at the conclusion of the concert accorded to all the musicians involved certainly proved that there is a definite place and demand in Chepstow for concerts such as this which bring superb quality. The concert also included the famous string serenade for four movements, the Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and the balance of the programme was excellent.
Such evenings are only possible with much hard work and dedication by Society members, and thanks must be extended to Musical Director Graham Bull for his direction not only on the night, but during the many weeks and months of preparation for these occasions. It would also not be possible for such occasions to be a success without the use of a suitable venue, and St Mary's Church is a beautiful and highly appropriate setting for such programmes. The Society christened its newly built staging at this concert, and this certainly helped in the projection of the sound throughout the church. The capacity audience left the church at the end of the concert with undoubted feelings that a worthy tribute to an exceptional musical legacy had been both attempted and achieved, and such feedback is not only highly appreciated and welcomed, but is also invaluable for the Society when it considers future programmes.
The final concert in the 2005/2006 season will be during Chepstow Festival, when Chepstow Choral Society will welcome Lindsay Kidd (soprano) who will join with them for "A Summer evening celebration of mixed opera and lighter choruses". This will take place in the Arts Hall at Chepstow Leisure Centre on Wednesday July 19th, 7.30pm (tickets £6, £5 concessions), and further details will shortly be available in the press. Information about the musical schedule and singing membership may be obtained by telephoning Marjorie Duerden on 01291 623310, and information relating to patron membership and general enquiries may be obtained from the secretary Frances Gray on 01291 622465.
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