Bach Choir never ceases to amaze

REVIEW

by Roddy Phillips

NO MATTER how many concerts I attend at St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen, I never cease to be amazed and uplifted by the special atmosphere of these events.

St Machar's is, of course, the principal performing venue of the Aberdeen Bach Choir and their unique sound has been formed over the years by their highly regarded conductor James Lobban to fill the great vaults and spaces of the cathedral.

This is the choir's 50th anniversary season and for the first half of last night's outstanding concert they returned to their roots with an emotionally charged performance of Bach's well known work, Wachet Auf, BWV 140, followed by the lesser known but still as effective Missa Trinitatis by Michael Haydn.

The excellent Aberdeen Sinfonietta accompanied, while soprano Nicola Jane Kemp, mezzo Clare McCaldin, tenor Tom Raskin and baritone Neil Blake formed a thrilling quartet of soloists.

Yet another long running Aberdeen musical establishment that deserves some decent corporate sponsorship, the Bach Choir will perform Bach's St Matthew Passion at St Machar's Cathedral on Sunday, April 23.

Press & Journal Monday December 5 2005

Reproduced by kind permission of Roddy Phillips