Guest Choir from England in Cologne by Angelika Staub
MARIENBURG. No later than five minutes into the concert, the music fever had gripped even the furthest row back of the audience at the All Saints Anglican church. At the front stood the Chester Music Society Youth Choir, who interpreted secular and sacred songs freshly and emotively.
The repertoire of the 25 girls and boys from North West England proved to be widely diverse indeed, ranging from "In Paradisum" from Fauré's Requiem to "With A Little Help From My Friends" by John Lennon.
The new blood of English singers aged between 9 and 18 were proficient in dynamics (pianissimo and fortissimo in equal measure) and continued to surprise with the solo-spots. One young female singer, performing "I Could have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady, made sure that Goosebumps were felt all round. She showed real 'star quality' and was rewarded with thunderous applause. Between each of the individual pieces, another member of the choir explained to the audience what would be coming up next. Although the listeners did not always understand what was being said, the programme sometimes provided further clarification if needed.
After their convincing performance in Marienburg, the band of singers were moving on to Wiesbaden, where they were giving further concert[s], accompanied by conductor Rhiannon Owens-Hall and pianist Stephen Roberts. This English choir packs their suitcases and travels abroad every year, and what a truly good decision that is.
Concert Review in Kölnische Rundschau, a Cologne periodical 6th August 2008.
