Choral Society's Requiem is 'deeply moving'

A SONIC jacuzzi in more ways than one! Not only was Gibson’s energetic production of Verdi's Requiem almost 10 minutes shorter than Maestro Bernstein’s, sound pressure levels created by the 50-piece New London Sinfonia (under guest leader Sophie Langdon) reached new heights.

I adore The Anvil, not only for the immensely varied programmes, but the acoustics, which are second to none. The structure, which envelopes the elevated stage, acts like the mouth of a huge acoustic horn so that the sound from the stage is projected directly towards the audience.

I heard every word from the four soloists, in spite of the 193 souls singing their hearts out in the choir stalls to the rear of the auditorium. My one grumble is I wish ambient lighting could be reduced to a level more in keeping with the event.

I was deeply moved by this fine production and must congratulate the Basingstoke Choral Society (BCS) on how superbly it melded with their guest colleagues, The Croydon Philharmonic Choir. I noticed how few of the choir read from their scores. A sure sign that all were well rehearsed.

Nicholas Warden (bass-baritone) is no stranger at The Anvil. Those who saw BCS’ production of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontious in 2008 will remember him in the role of The Priest. I think he is better suited to the Verdi, and to these old ears, his wonderfully dark voice resembles that of the late, great German bass-baritone, Hans Hotter in his prime.

Kim-Marie Woodhouse (mezzo soprano) is another Anvil favourite and, once again, she did not disappoint. She gave a stunning performance, justifying the waves of applause and foot-stamping that she received. I also like the voice of James Edwards (tenor), who never once sounded strained or hard.

I wish I could be as enthusiastic about the soprano, Erica Eloff. On occasions, she sounded simply glorious, on others less so – her voice becoming noticeably wobbly and insecure when unaccompanied.

Conductor David Gibson commanded his well-rehearsed troupe as though Commodore of the Fleet. His passion and persistence for perfection shone through.

–Peter West