HARLESTON CHORAL SOCIETY is now on holiday until the start of the Autumn Term on Monday 11 September (7.00 pm start for collection of subscriptions), in St John’s Church. Do come and join us - we’ll be singing Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Parts I, II, III and VI), in preparation for our Christmas Concert, with professional soloists and orchestra, on Saturday 9 December. Further information from Jo Curry jo.curry@sky.com and see the ‘About Us’ section on the website for more information about what we do and how to join the choir.
St John Passion at St John’s
Review of Bach's St John Passion, performed by HCS on 18 June 2016
(and see Recent Concerts for reviews of more of our concerts)
St. John Passion
Harleston Choral Society
Bach’s work of small-bite recitatives needs an adroit juxtaposition of conductor, choir, soloists and orchestra.
Under Christopher Bracewell’s direction you knew this would succeed as the opening chorus met the surge of the orchestra.
Waves of ecstatic sound, whether measured, lively, meditative, declamatory, contrite or hymn-like filled St. John’s Church.
Tenor Michael Hart-Davies’ crystal clarity of delivery proved ideal for telling the crucifixion story and for the more expressive Airs.
Sri Lankan born, and now British citizen, Dhilan Gnanadurai, again brought his darkly passionate bass voice to the dramas of Calvary.
Contralto Catherine Denley’s singing had a loving quality, if a little underpowered; and there were some soaring-rafter moments from Soprano Siona Stockel.
Mature and mellow, the orchestra, led by Miles Golding, was a bedrock of excellence. Special mentions for the oboe, cor anglais and bassoon playing of Emma Penfold, Kim Haan and Mark Sharp.
Basil Abbott
Affiliated with Making Music
Registered Charity 1094515.
Patron: Nathaniel Gee.