Three years ago Chipperfield Choral Society, as a prelude to their diamond jubilee celebrations, gave a performance of the ‘Messiah’ by George Frideric Handel. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death so the choir chose to sing the composer’s Dettingen Te Deum at their Spring Concert held on 4 April at the Barbirolli Hall. The Musical Director, Delia Meehan, conducted the choir and orchestra and the soloists for the evening included Rhian Mair Lewis (soprano), Robin Bailey (tenor) and Peter Brathwaite (bass). The Te Deum was written shortly after Handel composed his ‘Messiah’ and there were moments when we were reminded of the former work. Rousing trumpet fanfares and the choir in full voice contrasted with the counter-tenor soloist, Peter Crawford, who added his gentle voice to a splendid performance of Handel’s wonderful music. After the interval the choir performed the Coronation Mass, the Mass in C, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Soloists Rhian, Robin and Peter were joined by Anna Huntley (mezzo-soprano) and with the choir they gave a superb rendering of Mozart’s great work. A thoroughly enjoyable evening which seemed to come to an end all too soon! We now look forward to the ‘Summer Time’ concert which will take place on 27 June in St Paul’s Church. Tickets will be available soon from members of the Choral Society.
Terry Simmonds