REVIEW OF MARCH 2008 CONCERT BY LUCAS BALL (Worcester News)

Alarm bells sounded when a pagan choral piece was performed in Worcester Cathedral - despite it being so close to Easter.

Under the decisive baton of Christopher Allsop, Orff's Carmina Burana  had something of a Stravinsky's Rite of Spring feel, what with all the time signature changes and dissonances. To spice things up further still, there was tremendous penetrating energy in Michael Bracegirdle's tenor voice and operatic recitative feel to Mark Evan's baritone sound. Both Soprano Maureen Brathwaite and the chorus had amazing control, even when there were huge numbers of Latin syllables to fit in.

The first half of the concert was equally grand with Vaughan William's Five Mystical Songs and Walton's Granada Prelude, improved by Allsop's knack of managing sudden tempo changes.

Words could have been clearer from the soloist in the Mystical Songs but the Englishness of the string sound, the tone colour of the wind section and a clean, confident brass sound made a stately collection of gestures in the Walton which acted as a taster before the meat.

OTHER COMMENTS ON RECENT CONCERTS

The Chorus sang to a high standard throughout the concert, managing to provide a delightful array of dynamics and tone to fit the individual moods of the pieces.

From the first chords of the overture to the final notes of the Amen chorus, the music emanated enjoyment and energy.

WFCS .... a tremendous boost to our City.

Under the secure baton of Adrian Lucas. These voices are enthusiastic, even ebullient. It shows in their singing. They enjoy what they do and who can resist their charms ... the choir won hands down.

An evening to stir the souls of music lovers.

This was a fearless, self-assured merging of musical talents

Sound that left the audience in awe. This performance was a resounding triumph ... the WFCS rose to the occasion.

Fine and assured performance by the chorus. Some exciting choral singing.

Adrian Lucas conducted with distinction and musical authority.

SOME REVENT AUDIENCE COMMENTS

Excellent, would come again if we lived here. (Visitor from San Francisco, USA)

Wonderful performance - continue the good work.

The Messiah performance was excellent

We all enjoyed the Messiah (Visitors from France)