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Music performed in previous concerts
Click on tabs to the left for pieces of music listed in alphabetic order by composer.
Reviews of previous concerts
Festival of Brass
Saturday's concert was an undoubted success. Now in their 34th season, the choristers performed with enthusiasm, giving attention to detail under the direction of John Andrews, who conducted expertly. ... The Mass by Jongen did not inspire me as a work but the choir produced a good result overall. ... The Chichester Psalms (Bernstein) began in an explosive and exuberant way. The whole piece whisked along gloriously ... Sung in Hebrew, I wondered about the clarity of diction but there was no lack of energy in the vibrant sections. ... Rutter's Gloria was performed with pizazz. Great rhythmic excitement was generated by the orchestra ... The choir sang valiantly and were obviously enjoying the experience. A most engaging evening and high praise to all who organised it. Neil Buick, Herts Advertiser, 25.06.09
Duruflé - Requiem Mussorgsky - St Nicholas Mass
Both works are challenging, with the choir getting little rest. It was a brave choice to pair them, however, the choristers displayed impressive stamina and produced very good musical results overall. There is much to commend their attention to detail. Dynamic variety and excellent diction was laudable. They coped well with the enormous cornucopia of chants, complex rhythmic patterns and dissonant harmony... John Andrews worked wonders, giving clear and consistent direction to all. A most praiseworthy concert. Neil Buick November 2008
Mendelssohn - The First Walpurgis Night Puccini - Messa Di Gloria
A real treat was in store for the audience at Saturday evening’s concert... Performed by the Harpenden Choral Society, the King’s Chamber Orchestra and three fantastic soloists, it was evident from the start that the dedication and attention to detail was impressive... John Andrews conducted with inspiration and confidence, keeping a firm grip on the entire performance. The result was a triumph and both he and the choir are to be congratulated for their sterling efforts. Neil Buick, Herts Advertiser, 26.06.08
Songs of Freedom
Choruses from Verdi’s Nabucco and Macbeth were sung with a fine sense of drama and pathos ... five spirituals from Tippett’s A Child of our Time were hauntingly atmospheric, sung with a passion and strongly supported by soprano and tenor soloists... The choir displayed excellent dynamics, diction and sense of ensemble throughout [the excerpts from Handel’s Israel in Egypt]... A spectacularly riveting account of Amazing Grace (arr. Andrews) concluded this engaging performance on a high note... Neil Buick, Herts Advertiser, 15.11.07
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