Wow, what a fantastic concert! Ely Choral Society really came into its own at the event on Saturday.
The choirs had obviously worked very hard, for their precision with the very short sharp phrases in ‘Carmina Burana’ was spot on.
The piano accompanists were magnificent, the soloists excellent and the percussion positively made the show.
This must be the most vibrant and exciting concert the Choral Society has ever given.
The opening piece was indeed an excellent accompaniment to ‘Carmina Burana’. Written by Jonathan Dove, ‘Arion and the Dolphin’ reflected much of Carl Orff’s style, but this time we were taken into a world of water with a magical tale. The effects created by the voices, pianos and percussion were amazing.
The performance of ‘Carmina Burana’ was as exciting and spirited as anyone could hope for. The choir filled the theatre with the well known dramatic choruses, capturing the rhythmic pulsations exquisitely. The captivated audience was given a thrilling, life-affirming experience.
Conductor Andrew Parnell and the participants are to be congratulated for such a fine performance. Taking part were: Ely Choral Society, Ely Youth Choir, pianists Maurice and Thanea Hodges, the percussion ensemble led by Will Sivier and soloists: Tara Bungard (soprano), Ashley Harries (counter -tenor) and Mark Gotham (baritone).
This was the culmination of the Isle of Ely Arts Festival. At the end of interval the chairman of the Isle of Ely Arts Festival committee, Shelia Friend-Smith, thanked those who had helped make the festival so successful and read out the winners of the short story competition.
Ely Choral Society’s next events takes place on November 2 (Requiem, Duruflé in Ely Cathedral), December 3 (Family Carols in St. Mary’s Church) and on April 8 2017 (Messiah, Handel in Ely Cathedral).
For more information visit www.elychoralsociety.org
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