Classical and Jazz | North Camden Chorus | St Mary Brookfield Church

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

The Review - CLASSICAL & JAZZ - with TONY KIELY
Published: 11 December 2008

A festive fantasia of carols

REVIEW: NORTH CAMDEN CHORUS
St Mary Brookfield Church

ST Mary Brookfield Church, in Dartmouth Park Road, was packed to the rafters on Friday night for the first “big concert” by the recently expanded North Camden Chorus and Orchestra.
After a tentative opening, featuring Once in Royal David’s City and an audience not quite ready to take up conductor Ian Gibson’s invitation to sing along, Haydn’s Te Deum was performed with gusto and enthusiasm, and excellent attention to dynamics.
Among the soloists, Stephanie Leonard was particularly noteworthy singing Schubert – an expressive performance that wouldn’t have been out of place in London’s opera houses.
The decision to take on Gorecki’s Totus Tuus unaccompanied, while admirably brave, didn’t quite come off when a generally strong performance from the Chorus lost tuning in the middle of the complicated piece.
Soloist Mark Denza – great-grandson of composer Luigi Denza – led an atmospheric rendition of Britten’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols.
This was followed by an unusual but intriguing selection of Basque and Polish carols, before the Chorus was joined by the audience – who finally found their voice – in a rousing rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
The evening was capped with a generous helping of mulled wine and mince pies at the back of the church, which sent everyone home feeling distinctly warm and Christmassy.
AOIFE Ní DHáLAIGH

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Check Prices, Availability & Book Online
Receive Online Discounts and Instant Confirmation

» Rock & Pop
» Gig Listings
» Classical & Jazz
» C&J Listings
» Book concerts/gigs
» Buy CDs