Highgate Choral Society
All Hallows Church

Highgate Choral Society’s fascinating programme began with the Overture to the Mastersingers.
Even Wagner doubters could not fail to be excited by the resounding brass and the zest of the New London Orchestra, especially the dramatic teaming of horns and violins. Was this overture chosen to introduce the society, with their masterful rendering of the two quite challenging works that followed?
Poulenc’s Gloria is widely performed these days because of its delightful combination of spirituality and joy. Again the brass was impressive, contrasting beautifully with those gentle moments such as the altos’ entry.
The soloist Helen Dix used her talents effectively, with an almost operatic technique that was most appealing. The choir emphasised the tough but tender nature of the piece with their punchy rendering.
Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast is an immensely powerful piece. This power was used triumphantly by the baritone soloist, Russell Smythe, who begins in the role of Isaiah, and continues as narrator, joining the various musical episodes as the story unfolds. A special mention is necessary for the mournful rhapsodic entry of the cellos at the beginning of the timeless lament “…by the waters of Babylon…” the despair that is echoed by outcasts and captives throughout history.
The choir did full justice to this unhappy cry as well as to the noisy sections of robust rejoicing, invoking a drunken orgy.
The change of mood from the destruction of the tyrant to the familiar words of Psalm 81, “Make a joyful noise….” was beautifully handled, and here again the brass sections (“blow the trumpet in the new moon!”) were especially effective. Ronald Corp’s leadership once again brought out the best in musicianship and singing, emphasising just how fortunate we were to have this opportunity.