Handel's Messiah at the Colston Hall

"From the quiet Overture to the final Amen, there was some dramatic playing from the skilled musicians ...

"The real stars of the evening were the 130 or so members of the chorus who, without the music, produced a performance in which the articulation and clarity of tone were superb."

John Packwood,

Bristol Evening Post

Bristol Choral Society and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: Colston Hall

The choir responded as readily as the composer had, to the drama, power and beauty within these words. With soloists Deborah Norman (soprano) and Allan Smith (baritone) helping to highlight passages in 'On The Beach At Night Alone' and 'The Explorers', the work swelled and dropped like the waves, finishing on a lovely poignant note.

Gerry Parker

Bristol Evening Post

Handel's Messiah, Colston Hall

From the quiet Overture to the final Amen, there was some dramatic playing from the skilled musicians ... The real stars of the evening were the 130 or so members of the chorus who, without the music, produced a performance in which the articulation and clarity of tone were superb.

John Packwood

Bristol Evening Post

Let's Celebrate!

... After a stirring rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus, the highly successful evening came to a rousing conclusion with Hark The Herald Angels Sing. It was heartening to see so many young people enjoying themselves, and hopefully their many skills will be nurtured over the years to come.

John Packwood

Bristol Evening Post

Berlioz: The Damnation of Faust

There was once a time when The Damnation of Faust was as popular among
British choirs as Elijah.

These days, however, Berlioz's miraculous piece is something of a
novelty and on the evidence of this striking performance it's a hugely
welcome one.

There were two stars in the form of the BBC Now and the BBC National
Chorus of Wales, boosted by Bristol Choral Society.

The orchestra had the measure in every way of the amazing spectrum of colour which Berlioz conjured up.

...

The chorus, trained by Adrian Partington, rank among the finest in the land with shining top sopranos and resonant basses and baritones.

...


Chorally and orchestrally this was a demonstration of sterling standards.

A J Sicluna

South Wales Echo

BACH: Mass in B Minor, Bristol Cathedral, 21 June 2008

Any good cook will tell you that your best chance of success is to start with first-class ingredients.

Mass in B Minor by J S Bach: Bristol Choral Society, Bristol Cathedral

It seems Bristol Choral Society took this advice to heart, because when it comes to choral works they do not come any better than this Mass.

There is no doubting the choir's commitment to their conductor Adrian Partington. The singers respond wholeheartedly to his instructions, occasionally a little too readily.

In the final Dona Nobis Pacem they blended splendidly, producing an uplifting finale.

The commitment of the orchestra, Music for Awhile, was equally strong.

I can't recall anyone being more attentive to the wishes of the conductor than the leader Margaret Faultless.

The orchestral soloists skilfully handled the complex accompaniment, giving vocal soloists Rebecca Rudge (soprano), Sebastian Field (countertenor), Mark Padmore (tenor) and Adrian Powter (bass) excellent support.

The appreciative large audience helped to support two Bristol charities, St Peter's Hospice and Brace.

GERRY PARKER

Bristol Evening Post