An uplifting evening

THE Anvil once again hosted the Basingstoke Choral Society (BCS), accompanied by The Hanover Band, as they performed Handel’s masterpiece, the oratorio Messiah.

From the opening recitative and air, to the grand “Amen” finale, the audience was treated to a memorable experience.

With an impeccable presentation, the timing of entrance was spot on and there was a wholeness and uniformity of sound in each chorus.

The respect in which this choir is held was evident from the number of people present and the audience was extremely appreciative of a superb evening’s entertainment from all the performers. David Gibson and the BCS will have to go a long way to better this performance.

The choir was admirably complemented by the excellent Hanover Band, who lent an air of authenticity to the work and, augmented by a group of students from Basingstoke’s Vyne Community School, the Hallelujah Chorus was stunningly presented.

It always amazes me where BCS find such superb soloists. The tenor Joseph Cornwell set the tone with his powerful and controlled singing. The generally rich tones of Alexander Robin Baker were admirably suited to the bass solo parts although I would like to have heard a more rounded attempt at some of the lower register notes. However, his ability was evident in the fluid manner in which he moved from low to high register.

The mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin has a beautiful, warm voice, admirably demonstrated in such arias as But who may abide, O thou that tellest and in the duet He shall feed his flock. Her rich voice was at its best in He was despised.

In soprano Sophie Bevan, we were fortunate to have a soloist who performed with consummate ease. Each note was crystal clear and the top register was achieved with clarity and accuracy. I was moved by her interpretation of I know that my Redeemer liveth, sung with passion and conviction.

I came away, as I’m sure did many others, refreshed and uplifted as a result of this magnificent work, performed by a choir whose repertoire and standard of performance continue to amaze me.

–Alan Gibson