Reigate & Redhill Choral Society

Summer Concert, St Martin's Church, Dorking. Reviewed by Simon Ames

Reigate & Redhill Choral Society (RRCS) chose St Martin's in Dorking for this concert, an acknowledgement – if any is needed – of the suitability of this fine church as an excellent venue for quality musical performances.

Few societies select the works of French composer Maurice Durufle (1902 to 1986) who had a distinguished career as an organist in Paris and as Professor at the Conservatoire. His Requiem, based on the Gregorian chant, is a masterpiece that the choir, together with the Surrey ProMusica orchestra and organist Ray Maulkin, brought to life with breadth and dignity. Alison Pearce delivered the soprano Pie Jesu with suitably measured style and grace.

In the second half, conductor Peter Farrant introduced the well-known modern English composer Richard Blackford to describe the origins of his Mirror of Perfection work that is based on the vibrant and passionate ideology of St Francis of Assisi.

Set in six parts that are individually based on previously unknown poems of St Francis, the music captures the piety and compassion of the famous saint who was also known as a fanatic of love. In the third, Canticle of Love, the word "Amore" is featured no less than 48 times.

The music is shaped as a celebration of life and this brings its own warmth and vitality. This was a fine choice for the summer concert, a tribute to the reputation and status of the choir that the composer was present, a mirror of their first performance of the work 10 years ago. Peter Farrant's musical interpretation was outstanding.