Review of the Concert on 3rd December 2022 by Hilary Taylor

We only usually associate the Messiah, Handel's Baroque oratorio with Christmas, but it was originally written for Easter, and first staged in Dublin in the New Music Hall, Fishamble Street at noon on April 13th 1742, doubtless to an audience as appreciative and spellbound as in St Mary's Fairford 280 years later. What a lovely performance. From the first notes of Tenor John Bacon's measured solo introduction, it was obvious that we would be in for a treat. I often think that local choral societies are seriously undervalued. It takes time and dedication to produce a big choral work like Messiah and to be able to see such a work in a local setting for such a reasonable price is wonderful. Where better than in Fairford's beautiful parish church? 

The rippling polyphonic lines-especially at speed-in this tremendous work are pretty taxing to sing, but the Fairford and District Choral Society under the direction of the brilliant Katrine Reimers managed it splendidly. The choruses were sensitively handled, with plenty of dynamic contrast and clarity of diction. Some of the entries can be challenging, but the choir sang them with confidence where I have sometimes heard groups falter... 

The acoustics suited the fine voices of the four professional soloists. They were engaging and commanded audience attention; the arias and recitatives in this piece deserved no less and the quartet of Charlotte Newstead-Soprano, Olivia Gomez-Contralto, John Bacon-Tenor and Bass Matthew Clark-who stepped in at the last moment, thank you Matthew! did full justice to Handel's masterpiece. Their solo performances were a pleasure to hear and most moving. 

This was storytelling matched in expressive content and nuanced, sensitive delivery. How lucky we were to have the opportunity to see such accomplished performers in a local setting. 

In the absence of an orchestral ensemble the accompaniment was well balanced between the heroic organist Robin Baggs, (I found myself wondering how many notes he had to play); and a well chosen, unobtrusive keyboard accompaniment. It was intriguing to see the keyboard played by Katrine while simultaneously conducting. This was no mean feat. The splendid insertion of Stephen Cutting's trumpet made a glittering, dramatic addition to the whole. My neighbour at the concert described it as, "Riveting."

I could go on about my favourite passages, alas too difficult to choose, but not to mention the Hallelujah Chorus would be churlish. Totally uplifting, no wonder it is an all-time favourite-the entire company of voices together in a universal expression of triumphant joy, and why not? Bravo Fairford and District Choral Society for a beautiful start to the Christmas period. I haven't heard you before, but from now on I am a fan! 

Hilary Taylor
4 December 2022