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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
Harpenden Choral Society’s taste of Africa
ZIMBE! was the main offering by Harpenden Choral Society on Saturday. Written in 2008 by multi-talented musician Alexander L’Estrange....the choir was supported strongly by jazz quintet Call Me Al.....Joined by Primary School choirs from St Helen’s, Wheathampstead, and Roundwood, Harpenden, the entire ensemble imparted a feeling of family unity, which was quickly picked up by the capacity audience. Exciting band breaks and effective use of ostinato coupled with good attention to dynamics made this an inspirational performance. All praise goes to conductor John Andrews who, as usual, gave crystal clear direction and a mature interpretation. A medley of popular songs from yesteryear preceded Zimbe! Entitled In the Mood, the appreciative audience was treated to numbers such as Tea for Two, Smoke Gets in your Eyes and Over the Rainbow. The arrangements were superb and diction was crisp. Some exhilarating close harmonies as well as many dramatic and theatrical effects demonstrated a high standard of musicianship. Expertly accompanied by Alexander L’Estrange, even his young son couldn’t resist giving an impromptu dance. This was a most happy and joyous family event. Neil Buick, Herts Advertiser, June 2010
Celebrations of the English Court
Harpenden Choral Society excelled themselves in a concert of baroque music by Purcell, Blow and Handel, all eloquently conducted by John Andrews who has a masterly control of this aspiring choir .... Handel's Utrecht Te Deum was presented superbly and especially an enviable quartet from the soloists. The Ode to St Cecilia 1691 was unquestionably outstanding .... A great feast of sound was to be heard by all. Come Ye Sons of Art by Purcell is divided into nine sections. After the vibrant overture, the soloists and choir delighted the audience with a cornucopia of sound .... What a delightful evening of choral music. Neil Buick, Herts Advertiser, 26.11.09
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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