IT was full house at St. Mary’s church for Kington Choral Society’s performance of Bach’s wonderful Christmas Oratorio. Fifty choir members sang their hearts out under the enthusiastic baton of their new MD, Robert Evans, instilling warmth into a chilly November night. Robert began his musical career as a chorister at Hereford Cathedral and after twists and turns in various careers went on to earn his living from singing. His musical interests are broad, and when not singing with internationally acclaimed The Sixteen he finds time to lead Kington Choral. His comments after directing the choir’s first performance since he joined in September are encouraging, not only for the choir but also may well tempt potential singers to consider joining: [The evening was], “A great success, in terms of performance, engagement, execution and goodwill...I particularly appreciated the warmth and praise for you from the soloists as they are singers whose opinion I respect."

It was indeed a privilege for Kington to host soloists of such calibre, Felicity Turner for example, - mezzo soprano and described by Gramophone Magazine as ‘beguiling’, Jessica Cale, soprano, with a successful career as a soloist and consort singer, gave an uplifting performance. Tenor Jeremy Budd, who works with many well known conductors and ensembles, had the audience in the palm of his hand with his rich delivery while Samuel Oram, baritone, returned to enrich the Kington Choral singers after his performance here two years ago, with yet more accolades and experience under his belt.

This concert was professionally supported by the expertise of the renowned Marches Baroque Orchestra whose early instruments added a wonderful vitality and authenticity to the performance.

It is a proven fact that music reaches parts that other disciplines cannot, bringing healing and purpose in this troubled world and so it was fitting that the retiring collection, for the charity ‘Singing For The Brain’ will benefit the work to fight the ever growing problems of dementia.

If you are interested in joining the choir, visit kingtonchoral.org.uk or call 01544 260315