Redditch Choral Society, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Kingfisher Shopping Centre
ANTONIO Vivaldi wrote his choral masterpiece ‘Gloria’ some 300 years ago, at a time when Redditch was just a mere blip on the map.
Yet I am sure the Venetian ‘Maestro di Coro’ would have been absolutely delighted with this performance by Redditch Choral Society.
Held in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre – the cosy vacant unit 24 opposite Clinton Cards on Walford Walk – a full house enjoyed an uplifting afternoon of entertainment.
Under the baton of music director Emily Tyrrell, with well known soprano Katie Leaver and backed by a compact, eight-strong professional orchestra, it was a gem from beginning to end.
The result was indeed, glorious, wonderful voices backed by a group of players who crucially kept the tempo rolling and the music on cue.
Like many clubs and organisations Redditch Choral Society had suffered during the pandemic, particularly under the rule of choirs being banned from meeting together to rehearse.
This was their recovery concert, an announcement that they were back, and they did it in style.
Those who arrived early were also treated to the sound of the orchestra warming up, a joy in itself.
And once proceedings were underway it was plain that there was much interest being generated from the passing public out in the shopping mall too.
Vivaldi’s work may be 300 years old, but good music played and sung well, is ageless.
In short, this concert was a triumph and plaudits must go to all concerned but particularly Emily Tyrrell who not only conducted but sang in the performance and who was the driving force behind the concert.
Also to Ken Williams, the manager of the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, for the vision to see a classical performance like this would work.
I believe the Kingfisher wants them back again later in the year – I’m not surprised – although on this evidence, next time they might just need a bigger shop unit to perform in.
Finally, you don’t need to audition to join Redditch Choral Society – for more details look for them on Facebook.
Ross Crawford
