Reviewed: Christmas Classics by Reigate & Redhill Choral Society

Reigate & Redhill Choral Society

Christmas Classics

Holy Trinity Church, Redhill

Reviewed by Simon Ames

The transition from Reigate Park Church to Holy Trinity in Redhill for Reigate & Redhill Choral Society's (RRCS) traditional Christmas concert appears to have been well received.

Every seat was filled on an evening when there was plenty of competition locally for this kind of audience. The setting and new facilities brought the choir a fresh confidence.

With Ray Maulkin at the organ console as usual, the pipe organ provided the musical continuity for the concert programme and seasonal carols, though the occasion was also noteworthy for the introduction of the compelling music of Mardi Brass, an ensemble of 12 RCM-trained musicians who like to entertain. It was a fine innovation that suited the occasion well.

The main work of the evening was Magnificat, the Song of Mary by Jonathan Willcocks, now well established as an internationally recognised musician and composer. He was present to introduce his work and to hear the performance.

Scored for choir, organ, brass, timpani and percussion, the combination of these singers and musicians provided a high quality performance - the five movements balanced well between exhilaration and pensive reflection. Nicola Wookey sang the soprano role with commendable expression and vibrancy. The work found deep audience appreciation and the performance seemed to win the approval of the distinguished composer.

Highlights also included two delightful carols by John Rutter, Gabrieli's Christmas Motet superbly delivered by Mardi Brass and later followed by their rendering of four dances from Terpsichore by the 17th century composer Michael Praetorius in which they brought out the best in resonating brass.

In the closing stages of a very full programme of Christmas music, choir and organ delivered the tender and flowing Shepherd's Farewell from The Childhood of Christ composed by Hector Berlioz in 1845.

Finale to the classical evening was John Rutter's high-flying Gloria, a perfect choice to challenge the abilities of the large choir, the dynamism of Mardi Brass and Ray at the organ. It is a demanding work for each component and it proved to be a splendid interpretation - even with the brass section joyfully over-dominant in the closing Vivace movement. It brought a flourish to a well planned and rehearsed Christmas musical celebration.

As a musical director and conductor, Peter Farrant's reputation continues to grow, his energetic style is meaningfully positive and expressive. He and Ray Maulkin ensure that the RRCS is consistently at the forefront in providing quality performances with musical choices that audiences want to hear.