Returning for their first summer concert since the pandemic years the Choir chose to sing a further 3 Chandos Anthems. They had sung 3 in Stanmore where Handel had composed them back before the pandemic struck. So this was a very fitting programme on a balmy July evening in North West London.
The first half saw the choir sing anthem no 4 and 8. Starting with no 8. A long piece alternating between soprano and tenor soloists and the choir. The sopranos were on top form for this anthem with sparkling entries and a clear leading line.
The Britannica Sinfonia played the baroque continuo and there were some fine orchestral movements. It is delightful to hear Handel's music from such a fine ensemble.
It was in Anthem 4 that the soloists showed their star quality. First from tenor Samuel Jenkins who made the waves rage wonderfully rather than horribly ! Then the duet between Samuel and Emily Owen was a high point of the evening. The text 'O worship the lord in the beauty of holiness' was simply one of the best Handel duets I have ever heard (and I am a huge Handel fan)
The choir in these anthems have to enter after solos and to their credit they were impressive in maintaining the quality of their singing throughout.
Such was the excellence of Anthem 4 in particular, at the start of the interval, several seated around me around me (obviously attending for the first time ) expressed that this was a rather excellent concert.
The interval saw the fabulous refreshments return after the pandemic. Strawberries and a wide variety of soft drinks and Pimms ! etc. A beautiful church and a great meeting place for many. For this concert there was a free programme with the texts which is very welcome and helpful.
In the second half the anthem 10 was performed. This anthem had much for the choir to sing. The last two movements with first an almost Mozartian layered chorus followed by a final chorus to Amen which was reminiscent of Handel's great concluding choruses in the Messiah. The choir once again gave a very good performance with some very dynamic singing in this particular anthem.
The two soloists provided more top quality singing in Anthem 10 and if you read the image below for their biography you will see that both are World leading choral singers performing solo for ensembles such at the famous Sixteen and many more.
On a Saturday night in sleepy Mill Hill it was once again a great treat to hear such beautiful music in our local church. The Choir under their Musical Director Tom Winpenny continue to impress and the quality of the concerts continues to be excellent. The Chandos Anthems are not the best known of choral repertoire but a sizeable audience enjoyed a lovely night of music and refreshments. Thank you to all involved in the performance and front of house for such a good concert.
The next Concert is the very popular Mozart Requiem in November which drew a sold out audience the last time it was performed. Everyone should get their tickets in advance and nice and early for what promises to be another very exciting evening of choral music. Do invite friends and if you have not ever been then this is an ideal concert to attend ( Under 18s go free - which in these cost of living crisis times is a welcome night out offer )
Choir : Finally the Choir are running a Come and Sing evening on September 15 ( details in the image below ), An ideal opportunity to see if you would like to join the choir. The pandemic has clearly affected recruitment over the last 2 years and so please spread the word to singers or wannabe singers about this excellent choir who rehearse in Mill Hill at Hartley Hall and have been in existence for 70 years.
The website www.lpac.org.uk has information and tickets can be purchased from the site as well for all events.
FUTURE CONCERTS INFORMATION
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