Music for a Summer Evening

It was a real pleasure to attend St Andrew’s Operatic Society’s concert, Music for a Summer Evening, an evening which proved to be both thoughtfully programmed and warmly performed. From the outset, there was a sense of care and balance in the presentation, with the church providing a most sympathetic setting for the music. Its lovely acoustics enhanced the choral sound beautifully, allowing the blend of voices and the shape of the arrangements to be appreciated to full effect.

Musical Director Ken Matthews deserves particular praise for the consistently beautiful arrangements heard throughout the programme. His musical choices showed a clear understanding of the society’s strengths, and the evening moved with confidence from one style to another without ever feeling disjointed. The pacing was well judged, giving the audience a varied and enjoyable selection while maintaining an overall sense of cohesion.

The programme offered a very pleasing mix of hymns, folk songs, classical favourites and show tunes. This variety gave the concert wide appeal and allowed the performers to demonstrate versatility across contrasting musical styles. The hymns benefited from the natural resonance of the venue, creating moments of real warmth and sincerity, while the folk songs brought a gentler, more intimate quality. The classical items added elegance and poise, and the show tunes provided welcome colour, energy and familiarity.

The society performed the material very well, with clear attention to musical detail and an evident enjoyment in the singing. Ensemble numbers were delivered with commitment and sensitivity, and the overall balance was well managed in the space. The performers made good use of the church’s acoustic, allowing phrases to settle and harmonies to ring without forcing the sound. This created an atmosphere that was relaxed, uplifting and entirely suited to a summer evening concert.

A particular highlight for me was a mother/daughter duet of “For Good” from Wicked performed by Bernadette and Hannah Trotter.  It was beautifully sung and the relationship between them evident to the audience.  Soloists Michael Beck performing “Silent Worship” from Tolomeo, Kim Storey performing “Laudate Dominium” from Solemn Vespers, Susan Antcliff performing “Fa La Lo Ro” and Kathy Price performing “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music were equally as impressive with some lovely acting through song evident to compliment the performance element alone.

Overall, Music for a Summer Evening was a delightful and well-presented concert from St Andrew’s Operatic Society. The combination of attractive arrangements, varied repertoire, sensitive musical direction and the excellent acoustic of the church made for a most enjoyable evening. Congratulations to Ken Matthews and all involved for creating a concert of charm, warmth and musical quality.

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