Epsom choir range in all musical directions

On Saturday 28th June, the Epsom Chamber Choir presented an eclectic programme of music inspired by Shakespeare’s songs and sonnets. Ranging from small-scale madrigals to the beautiful melodies of Bernstein’s West Side Story, relaxed jazz from George Shearing, and an uplifting setting of Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, with everything in between, there truly was music for everyone.

Encouraged by the generous acoustics of St Martin’s Church, Epsom, the choir was in good voice despite the heat of the evening. The programme structure combined more contemporary music interspersed with madrigals (sung mainly two to a part), giving most of the choir an opportunity to shine. While some of the small groups were more successful in mastering the “art” of the madrigal—especially in the performance of Fair Phyllis—this music nevertheless offered both vocal and musical contrast.

The West Side Story medley (along with the arrangement of Summertime) provided a joyous start to the concert, with excellent choir diction and lovely solo singing. The four Shakespeare songs by the Finnish composer Jaakko Mäntyjärvi (born 1963) were more challenging for both the audience and the choir. Requiring an exceptionally high standard of performance, the choir, as always, was assured, although tuning and balance suffered a little at times.

In contrast, the performance of Whitacre’s Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine was masterful—sung with conviction, passion, and finesse. Bravo, Epsom Chamber Choir!

The second half had a lighter feel, with some meaningful arrangements, including Billy Joel’s And So It Goes (arranged by Bob Chilcott), all of which were sung beautifully. The concert concluded with the five Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare by George Shearing, which gave the choir a chance to “let their hair down.” Clearly, they enjoyed these pieces, as did the audience, supported by excellent piano accompaniment from Stephen Ridge.

For this concert, Tristan Weymes replaced ECC’s principal conductor, Jack Apperley, and his calm and sensitive approach was appreciated by all.

Congratulations to the Epsom Chamber Choir for a joyous summer evening of Shakespeare-inspired music.
So, “if music be the food of love, sing on!”

—Michael Stevenson MA FTCL GTCL ARCO

Photo credit Paul McCan