We had to send for extra scores: they filled up every pew. 100 singers from all over southern Hampshire came to St Nicholas on 14th January to sing choral classics. Some were from choral societies and prestigious church choirs; some hadn’t sung since school days. In the space of two hours, David Burgess melded us into one choir. Rosemary Field, until recently the Diocesan Music Adviser, played the organ impeccably, supporting our rehearsal efforts.
Revitalised by the tea break, we reassembled at 7pm to perform to an audience seated in the chancel and choir stalls. As Rosemary’s introduction led us to the cry “Zadok the Priest …”, the church overflowed with sound. In Mendelssohn’s “Hear my Prayer”, David had to restrain our enthusiasm so that Julie Brombley’s “Oh for the Wings of a Dove” solo could soar above us. Julie was joined by two other family members for the trio in “The Heavens are Telling” from Haydn’s “Creation”.
“I was Glad” by Parry was the least well known of the pieces, but under David’s direction it came together beautifully. The final piece was Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and Chris Stokes joined Julie as the alto soloist. Our performance did justice to a well-loved and monumental work. The warm acoustic of St Nicholas attracts much comment from visiting singers. By 8:15 it was all over: singers and audience socialised over a glass of wine.
Behind the scenes, teams of supporters had welcomed singers, loaned out scores, made and cleared away tea, served wine and washed glasses, sorted and counted the returned scores. Without their help, the event would not have run so smoothly. Thank you to them as well as to David, Rosemary and the soloists: together they made it happen.
Sue Fitzgerald
