A musical afternoon to cherish

Concert review - Sunday, November 3 at 4pm in Oldham Parish Church

The Oldham Choral Society

The addition of the Mercury Strings Quartet playing Haydn’s D Major Quartet Op 64 no 5 (The Lark) to begin the concert provided a delightful introduction to the main work where the choir performed Autumn from the Seasons by Haydn.

Autumn opened with three excellent soloists, soprano, tenor and bass, followed by a spirited rendition by the choir , again followed by the soloists.

“Hark!” the chorus replied, heralding the approach of the hunt.

The piece ended by extolling the joy of the grape harvest gathered in with much carousing.

After the interval came a complete contrast with Gounod’s beautiful Mass of St Cecilia.

It started with a duet and then a trio in the Kyrie, followed by the choir who then sang the uplifting Gloria.

The organist, Gary Hulme, played a haunting organ solo.

The Benedictus and Agnus Dei brought the piece to a glorious end with the choir and soloists in perfect harmony.

Altogether, a varied, satisfying and enjoyable performance.

IL

OCS Musical Director David Cane later said: "It was fantastic to perform again at Oldham Parish Church. 

"We are very pleased to be building our relationship with the church, and to be able to share our music in the heart of Oldham town. 

"Very many thanks to Rev. Daniel Burton for making us feel so welcome.

"We are so grateful to our wonderful piano accompanist Duncan Robertson, to Gary Hulme for his thrilling organ playing, to our superlative soloists for the evening: Hayley Swanton, Séan Ruane, and Graham McCusker, and for the fabulous Mercury Strings who all brought so much life and excitement to our performance. 

"We look forward to returning to Oldham Parish Church for our Christmas Concert on Friday 20th December at 7.30pm where we will be joined by Ashton Brass Band - please do join us for what promises to be a festive and memorable evening!"

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