Oldham Choral Society's latest RNCM concert spans two centuries

Oldham Choral Society pictured at the Royal Northern College of Music

REVIEW: Oldham Choral Society returned to the Royal Northern College of Music with an attractive concert, featuring two works which spanned two centuries.

The first - Lux Aeterna - was by American composer Morten Lauridsen.

Written in 1997, it is a powerful but somewhat difficult work, and the choir had obviously worked hard to produce an impressive performance.

In the second part of the concert we heard Mozart's Solemn Vespers - another powerful work, in which the choir was joined by 4 excellent soloists; Charlotte O'Hare (Soprano), Jess Conway (Mezzo), Michael Jones (Tenor) and Jonny Hill (Bass).

The soloists blended beautifully and really enhanced the performance of the choir. 

We were also treated to three arias from Mozart operas from the soloists - a delightful surprise addition to the programme.

The accompaniment was provided by the choir's regular pianist, Duncan Robertson, together with the Mercury Strings (Leader Alexandra Stemp) and Gary Hulme on the organ - an inspired combination!

Unfortunately, the audience was less than ideal, but those who attended were very enthusiastic in their appreciation of this excellent evening's entertainment. 

The choir is rather unbalanced at the moment, leaving the men a little out-gunned at times, but they are actively looking for more tenors, and particularly basses.

So there's an opportunity to join a wonderful choir with a great programme of singing to come.  

FSJ

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