SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL

Haydn, Mendelssohn, Guerrero, Franck, Purcell and Handel: Soloists, Ely Cathedral Choirs and Orchestra, Choirs of Girton and Selwyn Colleges, Cambridge / Various Directors. The Cathedral, Ely, UK 13.6.2009 (RW)


Amy Daldorph - soprano
Ashely Harries - mezzo
Peter North - tenor
James Rees - bass
William Hawarth - treble
Choir Directors
Ely Cathedral Choirs - Paul Trepte and Louise Reid
Girton College Choir - Dana Marsh
Selwyn College Choir - Sarah MacDonald.

Haydn: Nelson Mass
Mendelssohn : Hear my Prayer, Denn Er hat seinen Engeln
Guerrero - Ave virgo sanctissima
Franck - Panis Angelicus
Purcell - Remember not, Lord
Handel - Zadok the Priest


Ely Cathedral lends itself to all that is grand, magnificent and powerful. In the concert Mixing their Music, the combined forces of highly reputable singers and instrumentalists from the Cambridgeshire area were indeed grand, magnificent and powerful. Their glorious sounds filled the Cathedral vaults.

The Ely Cathedral choirs under the directorship of Paul Trepte and Louise Reid were joined by the Choirs of Girton College (director Dr Dana Marsh) and Selwyn College (director Sarah MacDonald) and together they gave Haydn’s Nelson Mass thoroughly good measure. Thrilling, breathtaking climaxes, moments of gentle subtle reflection and energetic urgency were all par for the course. They were accompanied by a splendid orchestra led by Helen Medlock. Whether it was powerful richness, gentle underlying accompaniment or endearing solos and duets that were required, every moment was exquisitely appropriate.

There was a fine group of soloists for the Mass. When soprano Amy Daldorph took to the stage it seemed incredible to imagine that this beautiful, young and slight girl could meet the challenges of Haydn’s score. Her performance was amazing. She did indeed meet the requirements and over and above this gave one of the best performances I have heard. The beauty of her top register, the sustained delicacy of the ornaments and appealing shapes of her phrases testified to her expertise. Ashley Harries was an excellent alto and James Rees (bass) and Peter North (tenor) made up a splendid quartet. It was particularly noticeable how the members of this group focused exceptionally well on blending their voices.

William Hawarth (treble) gave a fine performance of Hear my Prayer by Mendelssohn. His strong, clear and powerful tone reflected the special quality of the boys’ voices that makes them the backbone of our world renowned cathedral sound. Other highlights included Ely Cathedral Girls and Men singing Ave virgo sanctissima by Guerrero, Selwyn Choir’s Panis Angelicus by Franck, Girton College Choir’s Remember not, Lord by Purcell and Ely Cathedral Boys and Men singing Denn Er hat seinen Engeln by Mendelssohn. Another noticeable outstanding quality of the evening was the skill and inspired leadership of the first-rate conductors.

The final Zadok the Priest by Handel ended this magnificent event perfectly. Rarely has a group of singers been able to give those high notes at the beginning of this famous piece such tonal splendour.

Other events not to be missed at Ely Cathedral include the Summer organ recital series every Sunday at 5.15 from July 12 to August 30^th (free admission), the lunchtime recitals and concerts usually at 1.10 p.m. on Thursdays or Fridays (free admission) and the performance of Prime Brass on 6^th September 7.30. p.m.

Contact: (01353) 660349 or visit www.elycathedral.org for booking and more information.

Rosemary Westwell


Back to Top                                                    Cumulative Index Page