“A stunning concert!”
This was only one of the many appreciative comments received after our Fringe concert on 27th August, also described by our near capacity audience as “exciting” and “uplifting”.
Singing from the altar end of Greyfriars Kirk this year meant that there was much greater audience capacity than last year. Nevertheless, and spite of our programme not being unique at this year’s International and Fringe Festivals (The Sixteen, no less, also performed Handel’s “Dixit Dominus” to great acclaim in the Usher Hall, and at least two other groups were offering the Vivaldi “Gloria RV589”), there were very few seats left, all in the furthest, limited view side pews and under the organ gallery.
The tumultuous applause at the end of the concert said it all, but it was lovely to have so many compliments as well:
“That was a stunning concert – we really enjoyed it.”
“Just to say how much we enjoyed the concert on Saturday. It was really uplifting.”
“We all loved the music. It was beautifully sung.”
“…we all really enjoyed the concert – a real highlight of the festival…”
“…the best thing we’ve been to at the Fringe…”
Others were impressed by the choir’s projection, the balance between choir and orchestra and the attention to detail in our interpretation (all credit to our Musical Director!). Particular praise was reserved for our performance of “Dixit Dominus” in the first half of the concert:
“..[enjoyed] your excellent concert of Baroque music. “Dixit” was an exciting and disciplined performance of a challenging piece. “
with several audience members asking at the interval if we had done a recording which they could buy (sadly, no).
We must of course not forget the contributions of our four superb soloists – Wilma MacDougall (soprano) and Colette Ruddy (mezzo soprano/alto) who never fail to impress, and our exciting newcomers, Andrew Nunn (tenor) and Jon Stainsby (bass) who will clearly go far in years to come – nor our orchestra who did not disappoint with another splendid performance.
Our programme for the 2012 Fringe features Mozart’s Solemn Vespers K339, which includes the aria “Laudate Dominum” – always a great audience favourite. Book your tickets now!!
Posted: Tuesday 6 September 2011 at 10:16 am