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| 143rd Season |
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Haydn ~ The Creation
Derby Cathedral, 21st. March, 2009
Conducted by Richard Dacey |
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| This was billed as our 5th. Patron's Concert, but unfortunately, Dame Emma Kirkby was indisposed. However, we were very lucky to have the services of Elizabeth Watts who came at very short notice and clearly delighted the audience. |
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| Review by Mike Wheeler: |
Sheer Exuberance
This was to have been another joyful collaboration between Derby Choral Union and its patron, Emma Kirkby. Unfortunately she was indisposed, but the choir was very lucky to engage the fast-rising Elizabeth Watts at just a couple of days’ notice.
Her thrilling sound and immaculate phrasing instantly dispelled any feelings of disappointment among the audience.
Indeed, this was one of the finest teams of soloists the Choral Union have assembled, with tenor Gareth Malone, ringingly declamatory in his opening recitative and exuding quiet dignity in the aria ‘In Native Worth’, and bass William Gaunt, rich but also clear and focussed in tone.
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Above all, though, it was the pace and energy of the choir’s performance that impressed. Without seeming in anyway rushed, the whole thing appeared to go by in a flash. 'A new created world...' was all shining confidence, and the big concluding choruses to each day of creation were full of vitality.
Placing the interval half-way through Part 2 rather than at one of the work’s ready-made breaks seemed odd. There were insecure starts to some of the numbers, but they did not threaten the sweep, drive and sheer exuberance of the performance as a whole.
Mike Wheeler
Derby Telegraph,
1st. April, 2009 |
| Here is some feeback from members of the audience.... |
I thought I must write to you and congratulate the choir and the other musicians last night for a splendid performance of Haydn's Creation. It was a tremendous achievement - both by the composer and all of you!
I thought the replacement for Emma Kirkby was superb.
William Grange
There is only one word to describe last night's performance of Haydn's Creation - GLORIOUS.
I can remember one concert recently when the orchestra seemed to slightly overwhelm the choir - but not last night. Everything seemed to go perfectly.
I think that everyone was disappointed that Emma Kirkby had to cancel but I was impressed by the professional way that you obtained a fully suitable replacement and altered the documentation at very short notice.
Last night provided a wonderful musical and religious experience.
John Abdella
I did enjoy the concert. It was lovely music and I thought that though it was a great shame not to hear Emma Kirkby, her stand in did a great job.
Mary Bayntun |
My wife and I attended the performance on the 21st of March at Derby Cathedral.
Initially we were disappointed that Dame Emma could not take part, but
were delighted at Elizabeth Watts performance and that of her colleague soloists. In fact ALL the music makers, instrumental, choral and baton wielding were excellent and we shall certainly attend future concerts.
We have subsequently attempted to book for the Messiah in December but understand we have to wait until September. Well done DCU, one of the best concerts we have attended in a long time.
Best Regards
John & Christine Baker
Taddington Nr Buxton.
Really enjoyed the concert last night - the choir were as good as we have ever heard them, and the soloists were all excellent (especially the Soprano).
Geoff and Peggy Lightbown
I enjoyed the concert. Well up to standard.
Harold Tomlinson [ex-member of the Bass section]
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| Artists |
Elizabeth Watts
soprano
Gareth Malone
tenor
William Gaunt
bass
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