Reviews: LEICESTER BACH CHOIR 80th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

There was distinctly festive atmosphere at this anniversary concert. Many of us think of the Leicester Bach Choir as an old friend and it was good to be part of the capacity audience for its 80th birthday celebration.

Not that there was anything "old" about the performance of Bach's great Mass in B minor; it brimmed over with vitality. The choir has performed this piece many times, but I suspect this account was the swiftest. Conductor Richard Laing is not one to dawdle and he chose very brisk speeds for some sections which, on occasion, led to a feeling of breathlessness.

Nevertheless he succeeded in capturing both the grandeur and humanity of the work, with good dynamic contrasts, lively rhythmic pointing and a strong sense of drama. The choir, which was augmented by young singers of the Countesthorpe College Chamber Choir, sang with tremendous enthusiasm.

Balance was good despite a small tenor section and The Queen's Park Sinfonia provided a superb accompaniment - supple, elegant and polished.

A good team of soloists completed the line-up. Soprano Mimi Terris and mezzo Karen Wise were impressive.Timothy Ochala Greenhough (tenor) was well-matched with stylish bass George von Bergen, but sounded a little strained in the florid Benedictus.

Neil Crutchley, 8 June 2008