 |
|
|
Recent Repertoire
[See also past performances, from March 1999 to May 2005]
Gala Concert - University Music Groups, including Choral Society, Symphony Orchestra, King's College Chapel Choir
Sunday 23 November 2008, 7.30 pm, Mitchell Hall, Music Hall
The Choral Society, Orchestra, Chapel Choir and others joined forces for a rousing and varied evening of performances, celebrating the very best in music at the University of Aberdeen, from jazz to Monteverdi, and including the main work for the choir with orchestra - a performance of Carl Orff's stunning work for choir and orchestra, Carmina Burana!
"Orff's Carmina Burana is an extraordinary composition. Nothing else that this composer wrote ever achieved anything like the same impact. It is startlingly bold in its simplicity and in the assertiveness of its expression, especially at a time when other composers were espousing more and more complexity in their music. Its startling clashes of choral and instrumental colour were drawn with exceptional vigour by the huge choir and the orchestra conducted by Paul Mealor ... Baritone Paul Tierney and mezzo-soprano Heather Ireson were at the top of their form in their solos so I can only echo the lady beside me and say, “Wow!” ... as I left I could not help thinking that this could be the beginning of a real golden age for Aberdeen University Music. "
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Carols for All!
Sunday 14 December 2008, 4.30 and 7.45 pm, St. Andrews Cathedral
A selection of Christmas carols and tunes for all the family, as once again the University Choral Society and Concert Band joined forces for a wonderful afternoon and evening of Christmas tunes, carols and anthems.
" The combination of Choral Society and Concert Band has always been a winner, and this year the added bonus of the fine St. Andrew's Cathedral organ played by George Chittenden added to the spectacular impression given by this concert of Christmas Music on the Grand Scale. The full house congregation itself gave the audience participation carols a special impression of grandeur....
William J. Kirkpatrick's setting of Away in a Manger is one of those pieces that is so well known that it is almost never performed as a concert piece any more. It is assumed that everybody does it, and as a result nobody does. It was one of the special highlights of the Choral Society's performance bringing forth the most beautifully pure transparent sound from the sopranos, later backed by gorgeously warm hummed harmonies from the rest of the chorus... The Choral Society conducted by Roger Williams began their contribution to the concert with two early carols which are still among the finest ever; Es ist ein Ros'entsprungen by Michael Praetorius and A child is born in Bethlehem by Samuel Scheidt. Moving to the twentieth century, Britten's A new year is come and A babe is born by William Matthias are surely two works of equal quality from our own era."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Music from America - Choral Society and Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 16 March 2008, 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Music from America featured in the Choral Society's and Symphony Orchestra's Spring concert - from the rousing rhythms of Copland's Stomp Your Foot to the haunting and deeply moving Barber's Adagio. Conducted by Paul Mealor and Pete Stollery, the programme was completed with Bernstein's exciting West Side Story and the popular Chichester Psalms brought the evening to a spirited close.
"The five strong percussion section was magnificent and totally unafraid to “whack it out “at full tilt but here was superb gentle playing too from strings, harp and muted trumpet and with no more than just a gentle kiss from the percussion to the words of the Twenty-third Psalm beautifully sung by countertenor Giles Pilgrim Morris. The other soloists were splendid too and the choir easily handled every contrast from the caressing sound of the female chorus in the Twenty-third Psalm and the full chorus at the end of the piece to the explosive men’s chorus in Psalm 2... ...Congratulations on an unashamedly extrovert performance."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Carols for All!
Sunday 9 December 2007, 4.30 and 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
A selection of Christmas carols and tunes for all the family, as once again the University Choral Society and Concert Band joined forces for a wonderful afternoon and evening of Christmas tunes, carols and anthems.
"Over the years these concerts have evolved an unbeatable format; popular carols with audience participation are balanced with more unusual items from the choir and with the band playing music that brings back the spirit of Christmas from radio days....
One of the more original items for the chorus was a piece to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar who, as Roger Williams explained, was invested with an honorary degree in our very same Mitchell Hall. The Snow, scored for female chorus with piano played nicely by Drew Tulloch and two solo violins sounded absolutely delightful. Nathalie Vanballenberghe and Agnes Bradley played the lovely intertwining violin solos while the divided sopranos and altos of the chorus made a sound as gentle as falling snow... "
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Choral Society & Chamber Orchestra
Sunday 11 November 2007, 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Conducted by Roger Williams, with soloists Gillian Jack (soprano), Heather Ireson (mezzo-soprano), Matthew Marriott (tenor) and Paul Tierney (baritone). Choral Society were joined by the University Chamber Orchestra. Programme: Haydn, Trumpet Concerto and Missa in Angustiis (Nelson Mass); Raymond, Dreaming of Easter.
"The university fielded a huge chorus for Haydn's Nelson Mass but there was no hint of any disconnection in their singing, they were consistently clear and perfectly focused giving a real punch to the music just as the composer intended."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Choral Society & Chamber Orchestra
Sunday 18 March 2007, 7.45 pm, St Andrew's Cathedral, King Street
Conducted by Roger Williams, with soloists Claire Bleasdale (soprano) and Paul Tierney (baritone), and George Chittenden (organ). Choral Society were joined by the University Chamber Orchestra. Programme: Dvořák, Te Deum; Handel, Zadok the Priest; Albinoni, Adagio; James Wyness, Magnificat (first performance); Mozart, Laudate Dominum, Vesperae Solemnes, and Ave Verum Corpus.
"Handel’s stirring Coronation Anthem Zadok the Priest set the standard for a lively and exhilarating performance by the University Choral Society and Chamber Orchestra in St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Sunday 18th March. Dr Roger Williams conducted the Anthem that began with an impressively portentous opening from the orchestra before the huge University Chorus blossomed forth in a rich blend of vocal rejoicing."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Carols for All!
Sunday 10 December 2006, 4.30 and 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Performing carols old and new, University Choral Society once again joined forces with the Universitiy's Concert Band in 2 capacity concerts at Mitchell Hall.
"With the possible exception of the Last Night of the Proms in the Albert Hall, I cannot think of any musical event that can generate such warmth and jollity as Aberdeen University’s Annual Christmas Concert..."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Rossini: Petite Messe Solenelle
Sunday 26 November 2006, 7.45 pm, St Machar's Cathedral
Conducted by Paul Mealor, with soloists Amy Beth Smith (soprano), Agnes Bradley (mezzo soprano), Matthew Marriott (tenor), and Paul Tierney (baritone), and accompanied by Roger B Williams and Jasmin Cameron on piano and George Chittenden on organ.
"...The choral singing itself was bright, joyful and often magnificent. Although the tenors were the smallest group numerically in the chorus they came through with more than one startlingly powerful entry. The overall balance was surprisingly satisfactory considering the outnumbering of the male voices by the women. This is, of course, almost universally true of large choirs, and the result is not always as happy as it was on Sunday. Well done, Paul Mealor..."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
University of Gomel Choir & University of Aberdeen Choral Society
Friday 28 April 2006, 7.30pm, St Mary's Cathedral, Huntly Street, Aberdeen
This concert, featuring performances from both Choral Society and Dziannitsa, the Gomel State University Choir, was the key event in a civic twinning week arranged to mark the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in April 1986. Read more about the Gomel University Choir's visit to Aberdeen. Programme was a mixture of Renaissance, Classical and National music.
"The two choirs concert... ...was a splendidly celebratory event. This was not only in respect of the music, but also of the genuine warmth and comradeship between the two groups of performers that soon infused the entire audience. St. Mary’s Cathedral was packed to capacity for this unique event."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Haydn: The Creation
Sunday 19 March 2006,7.45pm, St Andrew's Cathedral, King Street, Aberdeen
With the University of Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra and the soloists Lisa Milne (soprano), Andrew Locke-Nicholson (tenor) and Alan Watt (bass).
"A capacity audience packed out St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Sunday, 19th March for Aberdeen University Music’s spectacular performance of The Creation..."
[Full review - University Music Web site]
Carols for All!
Sunday 11 December 2005, 4.30 and 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Performing carols old and new, University Choral Society once again joined forces with the Universitiy's Concert Band in 2 capacity concerts at Mitchell Hall.
New Voices in Music
Sunday 20 November 2005, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Choral Society were joined by the University's New Music Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Chamber Orchestra. Choral Society performed O Let the Fires Burn by Aberdeen graduate Lyell Cresswell, and Monteverdi's Cantate Domino.
Past Performances
Season: 2004/05 | 2003/04 | 2002/03 | 2001/02 | 2000/01 | pre 2000
Season 2004/05
Songs of Ascension: Easter to Pentecost in words and music
Thursday 5 May 2005, St Andrew's Cathedral, King Street
Choral Society performed a sequence of anthems composed by Dr Paul Mealor (Lecturer in Music) and George Chittenden (University Organ Scholar) to words by Professor Gordon Graham (Regius Professor of Moral Philosophy).
Bach: St Matthew Passion
Sunday 20 March 2005,
St Andrew's Cathedral, King Street
Three of Aberdeen's most celebrated international singers - Neil Mackie (tenor), Alan Watt (bass), Pat McMahon (Soprano) - joined forces with the Choral Society in a performance of one of the world's most famous compositions.
[Read the full concert review on the University Music web site]
Carols for All!
Sunday 12 December 2004, 4.30 and 7.45 pm, Mitchell Hall, Marischal College
Performing carols old and new, University Choral Society joined forces with the Universitiy's Concert Band in 2 capacity concerts at Mitchell Hall.
[Read the full concert review on the University Music web site]
Gala concert
Thursday 4 November 2004, 7.30 pm, Music Hall, Union Street
University Choral Society joined forces with the Universitiy's Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra and Big Band to perform
Handel's Zadok the Priest,
Cum Sancto Spiritu from Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, and the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah.
[Read the full concert review on the University Music web site]
Season 2003/04
Choral Society and Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 21 March 2004,
7.30 pm, Music Hall, Aberdeen
The Choral Society joined forces with the University Symphony Orchestra to perform Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms.
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - A Tribute to Lady Aberdeen
Sunday 30 November 2003,
7.30 pm, Music Hall, Aberdeen
Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society presented a special performance of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius in celebration of Lady Aberdeen's 90th birthday and in recognition of her enormous contribution to music in the North East. Conductor, James Loughran, Aberdeen Sinfonietta, and several choirs - including members of Aberdeen University Choral Society - joined the Haddo Choral Society.
University Symphony Orchestra
Sunday 23 November 2003,
7.30 pm, Music Hall, Aberdeen
The Choral Society joined forces with the University Symphony Orchestra to perform the Polovtsian Dances from Borodin's Prince Igor.
Handel's Messiah: Voices for Hospices
Saturday 4 October 2003,
7.15 pm, St Andrew's Cathedral
Voices for Hospices is a global, simultaneous singing event which aims to raise funds for local hospice care units. On Saturday 4 October 2003 at 7.15 pm in St Andrew's Cathedral, King Street, Aberdeen, Choral Society, together with other Aberdeen choirs and members of the public were invited to come along and join the fun while helping to raise funds for the new Roxburghe House (opening April 2004).
Season 2002/03
Mozart: Requiem and Lutoslawski: Trois Poemes D' henri Michaux
Aberdeen Music Hall, 23 March 2003
With University Symphony Orchestra
Classical Greats
Sunday 24 November 2002, Music Hall, Aberdeen
University Symphony Orchestra & Choral Society
Joining the University Symphony Orchestra for the second half of this concert, the Choral Society sang: Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin) Wagner,
Anvil Chorus (Il trovatore) Verdi,
March of the Toreadors (Carmen) Bizet,
Waltz Scene (Eugene Onegin) Tchaikovsky
Season 2001/02
Bach: St John Passion
Sunday 17 March 2002, St Machar's Cathedral (dedicated to the memory of David Haggart)
Aberdeen University Choral Society and Orchestra. Evangelist (tenor) - Neil Mackie;
Christus (bass) - Alan Watt;
Ross Buddie (tenor); Lauren Hart (soprano); Katherine Smith (alto); Simon Hart (baritone)
Celebration Concert for Raimund Herincx
Sunday 18 November 2001, Music Hall
Aberdeen University Choral Society and University Orchestra. Raimund Herincx was joined by 15 other singers - students, former students and colleagues from the North East of Scotland Music School - for a performance of Serenade to Music by Vaughan Williams and Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. The choir sang: Let all the world in every corner sing from Five Mystical Songs by Vaughan Williams and Three Shakespeare Songs by Vaughan Williams.
Season 2000/01
Berlioz: L'Enfance du Christ
Mitchell Hall, Marischal College, March 2001
Guest Conductor: Jean-Claude Amiot, director of the Clermont Ferrand Conservatoire
Royal Marines Band and the University of Aberdeen Choral Society
Music Hall, February 2001
The Choral Society were invited to sing at the annual Royal Marines Band concert.
The mixed programme included a sparkling selection of light classics, popular choral pieces,
and Big Band numbers. The Choral Society sang: Three Hungarian Songs, M Seiber;
Battle Hymn of the Republic, Steffe (arr Wilhousky); Full Fathom Five and Eternal Father, with settings by McDermott;
Hymn to the Sea, McDermott;
Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Verdi;
Loch Lomond and The Wee Cooper o'Fife, arranged by Roger William.
Seasons 1999/00 and beyond
McGuire: Pipes of Peace and Fauré: Requiem
March 2000
University Choral Society in association with Aberdeen Sinfonietta
A Pageant of Choral Music
October 1999, Mitchell Hall
The culmination of two weekends of workshops by Michael Kibblewhite
The varied repertoire included: Cantique de Jean Racine, Fauré; excerpts from Carmina Burana, Carl Orff; Ave Verum Corpus, Mozart; Get Happy! Harold Arlen.
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
March 1999, Mitchell Hall
performed in front of Elgar's Godson Mr Wulstan Atkins