Review
SEAFORD CHORAL SOCIETY CONCERT
Saturday 1st December 2012 St Leonard’s Church, Seaford
Counter-tenors are splendid fellows, but they had no place in the ‘traditional’ line-up of soloists in the Watkins Shaw version of Messiah as presented by Seaford Choral Society in their Winter Concert. Instead, we had the admirable quartet of Alexandra Stephenson (soprano), Rebecca Anstey (alto), William Blake (tenor) and Thomas Faulkner (bass). Special mention must be made of Ms Anstey, whose warm tone was admirable suited to her impassioned rendering of “He was despised”. We should have liked to have heard more of her. Mr Faulkner is a young bass of whom we shall doubtless hear more in the future. He skilfully negotiated the tricky runs as he raged furiously in “Why do the nations?” and his stentorian rendering of “The Trumpet...” sounded to the farthest reaches of Seaford. Providing an impressive framework to the four soloists
was the ensemble under the capable direction of Sion Parry, who led the Exceat Players, Nicholas Houghton (harpsichord), and, not least, the ladies and gentlemen of the Choral Society. The choir was in excellent voice and the enthusiasm and fervour of their rendering warmed their audience on a cold December night. Messiah is so familiar that the challenges it can present to choirs is sometimes overlooked. However, the Seaford Choristers took all in their stride and the sopranos, especially, must be commended for the way in which they tackled their high-flying line in “The Hallelujah Chorus”. The concert reached a triumphant conclusion with an exultant “Amen Chorus” and the audience left the performers in no doubt as to their appreciation of a wonderful evening of music-making. Bravo, Seaford Choral Society, ninety-five years old and going strong, hopefully, for another 95. A total of £445 was raised in the retiring collection for the Seaford Kurlers. Amfortas
W E a r E a b out WElln E ss, not j ust WEi ght lo ss
nEW yEar! nEW you!
Wellness & Weight loss challenge only £35 for 12 weeks, including walk, consultations, weekly lesson, snacks, coaching & party! starts monDay, 7 january 2013 which includes a private consultation. Our club is friendly, fun and we encourage one another. Classes are limited to 6 so you get plenty of personal coaching & support. monday-friday: 10.15am - fitness Walk 11am - healthy lifestyle lesson monday-Wednesday: 7pm - healthy lifestyle lesson ** Only 1 Friday space remaining. Book quickly! **
WE also havE many privatE cliEnts. contact us if you prEfEr a 1:1 consultation. 1st Floor, 38 Church Street, Seaford. (above No. 38 Lettings) Tel. 01323 897671 or 07790 640019
10
Please mention Seaford Scene when contacting advertisers