Redditch Choral Society – Haydn’s Creation – St Stephen’s Church
WHAT a spine-tingling, glorious occasion this was as Redditch Choral Society produced a stunning performance of Haydn’s masterpiece.
From first to last this was a truly memorable concert and thoroughly enjoyed by the large and appreciate audience who packed both sides of the central aisle of the church.
The choir were joined on stage by a trio international music stars; soprano Katie Leaver, who sang the part of Gabriel, tenor Sean Clayton (Uriel), and bass Jeremy White (Raphael and Adam), backed by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
However there was no disguising the real star of the evening, the choir’s founder and musical director Alma Bright Clarke, who, at 90 years old and conducting from a sitting position, magically coaxed them all to send the music soaring to the rafters and beyond of this fine building.
Framing the stage were eight tableaux designed and painted by pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Studley showing in pictures the story we were hearing in song.
Inspired by the works of Handel, particularly his ‘Messiah’, Haydn wrote The Creation based on John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, describing the formation of the world.
The result, as performed by Redditch Choral Society, was an uplifting and joyous evening for all.
The choir is now working on its next concert, a performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ later this year.
Until then the choir is holding an Antiques Roadshow event with the TV expert Henry Sandon at Studley Village Hall on Wednesday, September 28 from 10am to 12noon and from 2pm to 4pm.
Ross Crawford
