Memorable evening with two choirs (From Worcester News)

Memorable evening with two choirs

2:00am Saturday 1st November 2008 in Search By Lucas Ball

GREAT pronunciation of words is often the order of the day when big choirs sing in Worcester Cathedral.

That was no exception when Worcester Male Voice Choir shared a programme with another choir, Viva Musica, in a concert in aid of the Worcester Cathedral Music and Light Appeal.

Dynamic contrasts marked in the musical scores were there too. Under the musical direction of Nicolas Wright and accompanied by pianist Sheila Leatherland there was evidence that the choirs had paid attention to the composers indications in pieces like African Prayer – arranged by Eric Jones – and Roger Quilter’s Non Nobis, Domine.

Bach’s ubiquitous Toccata and Fugue in D minor sounded very fresh in the cathedral setting as played by organist Keith Hearnshaw. Meanwhile, guest soprano Elizabeth Macdonald’s voice has much in the way of vibrato which takes some getting used to. One of the most memorable moments in the evening was when she sang with a choir backing.