Light Beyond Shadow, Spring Concert

It is always a treat to attend anything by Saddleworth Musical Society as I am always made so welcome. The concert started with the appearance of the choir, the gentlemen were dressed all in black and the ladies were also dressed all in black, but with the addition of a blue orchids with ivy corsage, they always look so finished and professional. The choir consisted of 45 people (31 ladies and 14 gentlemen), they are led by Musical Director Alasdair Gordon. Alasdair likes to challenge the choir, to move them out of their comfort zone, he gives them tough songs to learn in Latin, he doesn't like to stick to tried and tested, he likes to throw out the unexpected because he believes in the ability of his choir even when they don't believe in themselves - the chemistry and connection between the choir and Alasdair is very evident when the choir are performing. The choir are hanging on his every movement. Alasdair is a very physical conductor and he throws himself fully into the performance - you can see that he feels the notes written on the page as he transmits them to his orchestra and choir.

We started with "Wherever You Are" which was sung by Elaine Shaw, it was her first solo for Saddleworth Musical Society, it was very pleasant but I would just mention to think about breath control and diaphragmatic breathing. Alasdair challenged both his choir and orchestra with Gloria by Vivaldi, they rose to the challenge and hit it full on with some great energy and attack, I do however have a couple of minor niggles - please be careful with the end letters of words before jumping straight into the next phrase and don't all take a breath at the same time when singing, practice sneaking a little breath in various places so there is no big evident intake of breath from the whole choir.

We were treated to some solos by both Carol Hunter and Miriam Lawton. They both gave us some lovely vocals, Miriam in particular had some great animation in her face about what she was singing about and had a lovely connection with the audience. The full choir jumped in again and the smiles on their faces during " Domine Fili Unigenite" came through in their voices, they gave me a lovely full sound. When they sang "Cum Sancto Spiritu" it was stunning, voices were soaring and all the notes were full and rounded.

Alasdair teased me for clapping at the wrong time during the Vivaldi section, but my goodness, you had moved me with your singing and I responded. I come along, sit in your eyeline and make notes - it's daunting for you all. You had genuinely moved me, I felt your joy and I was thrilled for you all - hence my extra clapping.

After the interval the 14 gentlemen sang a version of "Hallelujah " it was a lovely sound with some great vowel sounds, we were also treated to a first time solo by Neil Bradbury "Steal Away", there were a few nerves to start but he soon settled in and I look forward to seeing his developments as a soloist. The final section of the concert was "Feel The Spirit"by John Rutter, the choir rose to the occasion- their singing and delivery of the words being sung painted a picture in your mind, they had great energy and bounce. Martin Bradbury sang "Deep River" it was a very emotional piece and the ends on his words were fantastic. The final song of the concert was "When The Saints Go Marching In", the choir finished with the same energy and attack that they had started with. It truly was a fabulous performance by Saddleworth Musical Society. Thank you for the invitation and your hospitality, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.