Although a little depleted in numbers, the Leicester Bach Choir were in fine voice at their Summer concert in St James the Greater on Saturday evening. The programme was varied and featured unusual combinations of organ, harp and percussion. An intricate and intimate impromptu for solo harp by Fauré was followed by the exciting Messe Solennelle by Louis Vierne. The church organ was shown off to full effect with the opening passage and I wondered if the chorus could match it. It certainly could: the choral sound was full and focussed with every singer joyfully committed.
As a choral singer I know how tricky the Chichester Psalms by Bernstein are and I was impressed by the choir’s enthusiastic approach. The second movement, with its sublime solo sung with perfect tuning and poignant expression by eleven year old Rafi Sirur, was particularly stirring with the pastoral comfort of ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ threatened by the dark, anger of ‘Why do the nations rage?’.
After a beautiful piece for harp and organ by Marcel Grandjany, the concert ended with a choral setting of the Lord’s Prayer by Janacek, played and sung with much feeling and attention to the meaning of the words, despite being sung in Czech.
Angela Magor June 2022
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Having seen The Leicester Bach Choir a couple of times before the pandemic, we were very excited to see them performing again on Saturday. The programme included choral works by 19/20th century composers interspersed with harp and organ compositions outstandingly performed by Jean Kelly on harp, Simon Hogan on organ, and wonderful solo performances by Rafi Sigurd and Emily Milburn.
All the choral works were new to us. Starting with the mesmerising ‘Messe Solennelle in C sharp minor‘ by Louie Vierne which more than lived up to the programmes notes of “a powerful work, by turns majestic, reflective and exultant.”
The second half opened with Leonard Bernstein’s setting off the Chichester Psalms with the wonderful and moving voices of the choir beautifully entwined with the sparse but essential addition of percussion (Kieran O’Riordan), harp and organ. The evening was completed with additional pieces by Marcel Grandjany and Leos Janacek.
The Leicester Bach Choir and their musical director Richard Laing once again presented an evening of moving and inspiring music.
Their professional and outstanding arrangements as always demonstrated exceptional musicianship, technical skill and creative presentation in the magical setting of St James the Greater Church.
We look forward to future performances…
Tim Garland June 2022