Testimonials

Mozart Requiem and Haydn Theresa Mass - Spring 2024
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These comments were sent from Mick Bray who has done front of house for many of our concerts over the years. They were sent after our Mozart Requiem concert.

A wonderful evening with 2 great performances.

CHOIR: DICTION PERFECT. EYE CONTACT WITH CONDUCTOR GREAT.

ORCHESTRA: TONE GREAT EYE CONTACT GREAT.

CONDUCTOR: A LADY WHO RIGHTLY DREW THE FULL RESPECT AND ATTENTION
FROM CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA WITH MINIMAL GESTICULATION AND MOVEMENT ON THE ROSTRUM.

Please thank all.

Mick

- Mick Bray

Schubert Mass in G - Autumn 2022
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Swindon Choral Society presented a delightful concert in Malmesbury Abbey on Saturday Evening. Robin Nelson, their former conductor, deputised for Elinor Cooper who was unwell. He did a marvellous job, but it was a pity Elinor was not able to hear the choir, because the standard of performance reflected a high level of preparation.

The programme opened with Bruckner's Locus Iste, sung a cappella. The voices were well balanced despite the relatively low number of Tenors and Bass, and the whole choir worked as a team. This continued with the popular Panis Angelicus where diction was clear and the accompaniment by the excellent Organist Simon Hogan, very sensitive.

For me the highlight from the three Soloists: Elizabeth Britton Soprano, Michael Burgess Tenor and Patrick Osborne Bass, was in the trio section of the Benedictus in Schubert's Mass in G. Their lovely voices were well matched and the singing lyrical.

Swindon Choral Society produced a high standard of music throughout the evening. The Soprano section produced a beautiful sound soaring over the higher notes, ably supported by the strong lower voices.

Should you require details of upcoming concerts, or wish to join this vibrant choir, please visit their website www.swindonchoral.org.uk

Mirian Sirrelle

- Mirian Sirrelle

Viva La Musica - Summer 2022
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Swindon Choral Society, under the direction of their vivacious conductor Elinor Cooper, performed a selection of light choral music in their summer concert at St Mark's Church, Swindon, on Saturday evening, 02/07/2022.

The choir performed as a team, drawing the audience in from the very start by singing the complex piece, Viva la music, with excellent diction and great enjoyment.

Tenors and Bass sang My Evaline, which was performed very successfully creating a Barbershop style. In musical contrast, Eric Whitacre's Seal Lullaby followed, sung by just Soprano and Alto voices. It was beautiful with the vocal parts carefully balanced. This is a piece worth seeking out if you don't know it.

The whole choir gave a lovely performance of How Can I Keep from Singing, which their talented accompanist Andrew Wicker arranged for them. He also thrilled us with his jazz style renditions of The Man I Love & I've Got Rhythm (Gershwin).

The whole evening was thoroughly enjoyable and ended with a moving rendition of the Irish Blessing, arranged by Bob Chilcott.

If you are interested in joining this friendly choir do check out their website www.swindonchoral.org.uk.

- Mirian Sirrelle