Winchelsea Singers gave a compelling performance of “The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace” (Karl Jenkins) on Saturday, April 29. St Thomas the Martyr in Winchelsea was a perfect venue with its wonderful acoustics.
The second half was a medley of different songs from Porgy and Bess (Gershwin) and Ave Verum (Mozart) to the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves by Verdi, but just as enjoyable. The soloists were magnificent. Grace Constable (soprano) and Michael White (Bass) joined the choir for the first half and then performed a stunning duet from Porgy and Bess. Michael White also sang Old Man River, his voice absolutely perfect for the number. Garry Marriott (tenor) and Ann Whiteman (alto) were also in fine voice as part of the choir and as soloists.
Duncan Reid, musical director told Nadia Florence Marshall (member of the choir): “You can tell when a choir is completely behind the composer’s work. If they enjoy singing it, it certainly comes across in their performance and tonight they really enjoyed singing the whole programme.” And he was right, one could feel the joy in the voices of the choir and the soloists.
The Winchelsea Singers have been performing for 40 years and rehearse on Tuesday afternoons in Winchelsea New Hall. The spring concert is a serious choral work and their autumn show will be My Fair Lady. In mid December, at St George’s church, Stub Lane, Brede, there is a carol concert, usually in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. New members are welcome and anyone interested should phone Nadia Florence-Marshall on 01424 882948.
Photos: Nadia Florence-Marshall and Heidi Foster