SKIPTON Choral Society, joined by pupils from Ermysted’s Grammar School and Skipton Girls’ High School, presented a richly varied and engaging programme under the direction of musical director Robert Webb.
The afternoon at Christ Church, Skipton, opened with three works by Howard Goodall, including the much-loved “The Lord is My Shepherd”, performed with warmth and sensitivity. The choir demonstrated great finesse in tackling the intricate harmonies of Ola Gjeilo’s “Dark Night of the Soul” and the ethereal beauty of Eric Whitacre’s “The Seal Lullaby”.
A standout moment came with Felix Mendelssohn’s “Hear My Prayer”, featuring soprano soloist Nina Parkes. Her radiant and expressive delivery of” O for the Wings of a Dove” was particularly moving, drawing the audience into the emotional depth of the piece.
Brahms’ “Vier Quartette” was performed with care, though there were moments of hesitation. While the choir captured the richness of the Romantic textures and interplay of voices, there was a slight lack of confidence in places. Nevertheless, the lyrical beauty of Brahms’ writing was conveyed well, making for an enjoyable rendition.
The concert concluded with Christopher Tin’s” Sogno di Volare”, an exhilarating finale that encapsulated the afternoon’s sense of musical exploration. Accompanist Robin Terry and the supporting string ensemble provided excellent backing throughout, enhancing the choir’s expressive range.
The school choirs contributed ably to “The Lord is My Shepherd” and “Sogno di Volare”, and, under the lively direction of Sarah Evans with accompaniment from Ed Cox, brought vibrant energy to Cy Coleman’s “Rhythm of Life”. Their performance was a joyful and dynamic contrast to the more reflective moments of the afternoon.
Overall, the concert was a testament to the choir’s versatility, moving seamlessly between sacred and contemporary works. The audience left uplifted, having enjoyed an afternoon of beautifully performed choral music.
Ian Butlin
All photos by Alan Hassey