CREDO – James MacMillan
Rushley Singers with Manchester Chamber Choir and Northern Sinfonia Chorus
BBC Promenade Concert, Royal Albert Hall
Tuesday 7th August 2012
The three choirs….combined perfectly in this well defined and cleanly delivered account
– Guardian 8/8/12
MacMIllan said the he wanted to give the choirs “a good sing” and the
three groups joined here……… did him proud
-Daily Telegraph 9/8/12
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MESSIAH
Lancaster Cathedral, Friday 24th May, 2013
SINGERS UNLOCK A GEM
A performance of Handel’s grand choral masterpiece, Messiah, provided the start to
Lancaster’s ‘Georgian Gems Unlocked’ Festival.
Handel composed Mesiah in 1741 for modest vocal and instrumental forces and only
much later was it adapted for larger numbers. The Rushley Singers returned to Handel’s
original concept with 26 voices and a small string ensemble led by Mary Gibson with
Ann Bond (harpsichord) and Tina Macrae (cello) providing continuo.
The standards were exceptionally high with the four soloists adding quality to the
performance. Sarah Kelly (soprano) excelled with her true voice; Miranda Westcott
(contralto) brought moving expression; Simon Lee (tenor) had a purity of tone rarely
heard to such advantage and Richard Paterson (bass) gave fine gravitas. All were pitch
perfect and good.
Under Rachael Lee’s direction, the Rushley Singer’s technical excellence provided
magnificent contrasts, from delicate running notes and dancing rhythms to filling the
cathedral with remarkable sound. Attention to phrasing and dynamics was meticulous
and Rachael held all together with quiet authority.
Anne Kerr, Westomorland Gazette, 13/6/2013
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