BOROUGH singers performed a concert of music inspired by the romantic artistic movement of late 18th Century Germany, Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress).
The movement influenced great composers of the period and provided a rich palette for the spring concert of Wokingham Choral Society.
The centrepiece of the concert programme, led by musical director George de Voil, was a stunning performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C Major.
And for the first time, the singers were joined by Eastwood Chamber Orchestra, formed locally in 2019.
The resources of the choir’s hundred voices, the orchestra and four young soloists gave an immaculate rendering of Beethoven’s score, from the contemplative Kyrie, to the dramatic Gloria and ending with the dona nobis pacem of the Agnus Dei.
For the second half of the programme, the chamber orchestra gave a stirring performance of Schumann’s Overture from Manfred, followed by extracts of works by Schumann, Schubert, Mendelssohn (Titania’s Lullaby) and ending with Humperdinck’s Evening Prayer, arranged by George de Voil.
Eastwood Chamber Orchestra (ECO) is a small non-professional chamber orchestra
performing high quality concerts in the Earley and Wokingham areas. Founders Robert (viola) and Clare Spencer (cello) wanted to bring together the best players from across Berkshire and the surrounding area to play mainly late baroque and classical works, along with other interesting chamber orchestra and string orchestra repertoire.
The orchestra is regularly conducted by Philip Ellis, whose extensive
professional conducting career has seen him work with orchestras and ballet companies all over the world.
Report by Robin Eaglen.
ECO’s next concert of works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven can be heard at All Saints Church, Wokingham on Saturday, April 18, at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 for adults, and are free for students and under 18s.
Wokingham Choral Society’s next concert, Saturday Night at the Movies, will be held in All Saints Church on Saturday, June 20 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for students and under 18s.
For information and tickets, visit: wokingham-choral-society.org.uk and www.eastwoodco.org
