Singing Day Celebrating John Rutter at 70
Congleton United Reformed Church, 17th October 2015
Concert review from the Congleton Chronicle
On Saturday 17th October, members of Congleton Choral society were delighted to welcome more than 100 singers who gathered from far and wide to attend a Singing Day in celebration of John Rutter's seventieth birthday year.
The day was spent learning and performing selections from Rutter's much-loved music. Lively choral sessions under the skilful and entertaining leadership of the society's music director Christopher Cromar were punctuated by breaks for hot drinks and home-made cake. (Someone was heard to remark that 'CCS obviously stands for Congleton Cake Society'!)
The singers and conductor were given masterly support by pianist Andrew Green, the choral society's resident accompanist. The United Reformed Church, the venue for the day, was adorned with beautiful harvest festival decorations. The music was rich and varied; all voices combined to make a wonderful sound. The participants enjoyed to the full the opportunity to spend a whole day singing together. To quote one of the programme titles, 'What sweeter music can we bring?'
One guest summed up her experience of the day in these words, on the society's Facebook page: 'So much encouragement all the way through the day from so many people. Having spoken to several other visitors I think it quite fair to say it certainly was a particularly special experience for those of us coming as guests. 'Watch me and use me,' Christopher said.and testing that invitation really worked. CCS singers worked extremely hard, not only hosting throughout but generously and unobtrusively sharing their experience, spreading confidence and a joy of celebrating music that will last a very long time.'
The Choral Society's next event is the Autumn concert, featuring John Rutter's Gloria and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. The choir will be joined at this performance by professional soloists, accompanied by a brass ensemble, percussion and organ. Congleton Town Hall, Saturday 14th November at 7.30pm. Full details of the concert, and information about joining the choir, are on the website at www.congletonchoralsociety.org.uk
JH
