Performing Bach’s Mass in b minor is a major undertaking. To perform it well is an achievement. To perform it on the hottest day of the year is something else. However, despite the temperature, 31° the Chorus once again showed what a disciplined force they are. The mass challenges singers with possibly the most complex writing of the baroque period and yet in this performance, the singers displayed a good understanding of those demands and met them well. One reviewer described the performance as ‘Heroic’ which is a fitting description given the Titanic nature of the piece. Orchestra and soloist delivered too with some outstanding obligato solos by Jonathon Strange (violin), Jane Harris (flute), Chris Hooker (oboe) and David Lawrence (horn). Margaret Feaviour, Lynette Alcántara, Ben Vonberg-Clark and Stephen Alder were the vocal soloists in what, at the end of the day, was a mesmerising and exciting concert.
All Saints Chorus and Orchestra