Handel's Messiah
Sun, 2 Nov 2025
I must make a confession at the start of this review: whilst a lover of classical music, I am by no means an expert, and I neither play nor sing. However, I will offer my thoughts on what was my first time of listening to 'The Messiah' in its entirety, although I have, of course, heard many versions of 'The Hallelujah Chorus' over the years. The key question is, did this performance disappoint? No, it did not. The music transported me from the Parish Church, and I was as impressed, as ever, by the enthusiasm of the choir, by their engagement with the music and their usual strong collaboration with their soloists and accompanying musicians. The result, a rounded and blended performance, melding smoothly together the various phases of the Oratorio.
I noted, for the first time, the inclusivity of the choir, with members who have devoted up to fifty years to choral music. A few more tenors and bass voices would not go amiss, but I think that is true of so many choral societies these days.The choir was ably directed, as always, by Dr David Cane. Having watched him at the 2024 Christmas Concert, he did not disappoint, conducting with his usual flair, and demonstrating once again, the trust which has grown between himself and the choir: they look to him, and he can be confident they will respond in just the manner needed.
It struck me as no mean feat, to bring together, nearly one hundred choral voices;one accompanist (Duncan Robertson, demonstrating his usual sensitivity); one trumpeter (Paul Thomas, we craned to see him during the triumphant 'The Trumpet Shall Sound'); one organist (Gary Hulme, filling the church with the stirring sound of the organ); four members of 'The Cosmo String Quartet' (it was so refreshing to see and hear four young people, perfectly attuned to the music and each other); last, but not least, the four soloists: Juliet Montgomery-Edwards, Imogen Garner, Chris Warrington and Aidan Montgomery-Edwards, who all blended beautifully, and complemented the performance of the choir. As the possessor of a deeper voice myself, I particularly enjoyed the singing of Imogen Garner, the mezzo-soprano, but after a most enjoyable evening, it feels churlish to highlight any one contribution.
Suffice to say, this was a performance which brought many voices, and much great music, together, to create one very satisfying whole. I look forward ,with pleasure, to the Christmas Concert, and I have no doubt that it too will be a most wonderful occasion.
Review by Alison Watkinson
I noted, for the first time, the inclusivity of the choir, with members who have devoted up to fifty years to choral music. A few more tenors and bass voices would not go amiss, but I think that is true of so many choral societies these days.The choir was ably directed, as always, by Dr David Cane. Having watched him at the 2024 Christmas Concert, he did not disappoint, conducting with his usual flair, and demonstrating once again, the trust which has grown between himself and the choir: they look to him, and he can be confident they will respond in just the manner needed.
It struck me as no mean feat, to bring together, nearly one hundred choral voices;one accompanist (Duncan Robertson, demonstrating his usual sensitivity); one trumpeter (Paul Thomas, we craned to see him during the triumphant 'The Trumpet Shall Sound'); one organist (Gary Hulme, filling the church with the stirring sound of the organ); four members of 'The Cosmo String Quartet' (it was so refreshing to see and hear four young people, perfectly attuned to the music and each other); last, but not least, the four soloists: Juliet Montgomery-Edwards, Imogen Garner, Chris Warrington and Aidan Montgomery-Edwards, who all blended beautifully, and complemented the performance of the choir. As the possessor of a deeper voice myself, I particularly enjoyed the singing of Imogen Garner, the mezzo-soprano, but after a most enjoyable evening, it feels churlish to highlight any one contribution.
Suffice to say, this was a performance which brought many voices, and much great music, together, to create one very satisfying whole. I look forward ,with pleasure, to the Christmas Concert, and I have no doubt that it too will be a most wonderful occasion.
Review by Alison Watkinson
Belshazzar's Feast by William Walton with Salford Choral Society
Sun, 6 Apr 2025
A DOUBLE FEAST.
Sunday, 6th April at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Two of the North's foremost Choirs, the Salford and the Oldham Choral Societies, combined for a unique event - a performance of Walton's impressive "Belshazzar's Feast".
The concert opened with Elgar's "Great is the Lord" and three extracts from Verdi's "Nabucco".
The second half really became a double event. Not only were the two choirs singing together (around 150 voices), but both the Musical Directors were involved, with Tom Newall (Salford) on the rostrum and David Cane (Oldham) singing the Solo Baritone role. Even the musicians were doubled, as the excellent National Festival Orchestra were joined by a Brass ensemble up in the Gallery.
"Belshazzar's Feast" is a masterpiece of Choral writing, and the choirs did full justice to it.
A capacity audience thrilled to the wonderful (loud!) sound, and to David's excellent work. It is obvious that a good deal of hard work had gone into this production, and the result was a credit to all who took part and a pleasure to all who heard it.
(Also it's quite good to get double for your money!)
Sunday, 6th April at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Two of the North's foremost Choirs, the Salford and the Oldham Choral Societies, combined for a unique event - a performance of Walton's impressive "Belshazzar's Feast".
The concert opened with Elgar's "Great is the Lord" and three extracts from Verdi's "Nabucco".
The second half really became a double event. Not only were the two choirs singing together (around 150 voices), but both the Musical Directors were involved, with Tom Newall (Salford) on the rostrum and David Cane (Oldham) singing the Solo Baritone role. Even the musicians were doubled, as the excellent National Festival Orchestra were joined by a Brass ensemble up in the Gallery.
"Belshazzar's Feast" is a masterpiece of Choral writing, and the choirs did full justice to it.
A capacity audience thrilled to the wonderful (loud!) sound, and to David's excellent work. It is obvious that a good deal of hard work had gone into this production, and the result was a credit to all who took part and a pleasure to all who heard it.
(Also it's quite good to get double for your money!)
Christmas Concert with Brass Band
Fri, 20 Dec 2024
Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna and Mozart's Vespers
Sun, 14 Apr 2024
Christmas Concert
Fri, 22 Dec 2023
Durufle Requiem and Poulenc Gloria
Sun, 19 Nov 2023
Elijah
Sun, 30 Apr 2023
