Back in April, I wrote on this blog about the contribution Choristers, past and present, bring to music at St Edmund's. Their impact could not have been more apparent last night, as seven former Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral conjured the most magical of atmospheres as they closed the celebrations of the 100th Re-union of the Canterbury Cathedral Old Choristers' Association with a recital in the Eastern Crypt of the Cathedral.
In order of their departure from the Cathedral Choir, Timothy Edlin (2006); Thomas Lowen and Alex Gibson (2007); George Inscoe, Matthew Barker, Joel Whitewood and Josh Best-Shaw (2008) now form the most elite of vocal ensembles, The Ex-Choristers. Not the most imaginative of titles (and do contact me with suggestions of a more suitable alternative), but this is where the apologies stop. This group of seven highly accomplished singers, all of whom have sung in the most prestigious of situations, create a highly professional blend: seamless phrasing, perfect intonation and the most natural sense of style came together in half on hour of sheer bliss. Arrangements included Tallis' If Ye Love Me, John Barry's Diamonds Are Forever and Billy Joel's Lullabye, all of which may be heard on the Recordings Page.
This is a group with huge potential, and a CD will be recorded this academic year.
Thank you, Gentlemen, for giving up your exeat Saturday and sharing your talents with this highly appreciative audience.
WMB
0 comments:
Post a Comment