Lack of depth in choral concert

IT was hard to escape the feeling that this Messiah walked on the polite side. The chorus only intermittently let themselves go; the performance became ponderous and portentous.

Perhaps the number of chorus members suffering from colds, coughs and flu-like symptoms prevented a tightly sprung performance. And the lack of tenor depth and a strong tenor line was a big disadvantage.

Sadly, conductor Andrew Jones was saying farewell to the chorus on the night – his last event with them, before he relocates to London. He has succeeded in building the capabilities of the soprano and alto ranks. His successor Julian Parkin must continue with a rebuilding programme, particularly the tenors, and, the basses, too, need strengthening. Parkin faces a short term restructuring task as the concerts planned for March (Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Beethoven’s Choral Fantasia) and June (Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle) will stretch current capabilities.

Fortunately, Colin Druce’s organ contributions provided strong guidance to the four soloists well versed in their Handel. Soprano Georgina Stalbow and tenor, Robert Jenkins – both products of the Birmingham Conservatoire – are well on their way to establishing themselves in the world of work, not easy at this time; however, auditions are being attended across the country.

By tradition the audience stands for the Hallelujah chorus. This time it felt we stood out of duty rather than for reasons of being uplifted.

Clive Peacock