Douai Abbey was the venue for the Basingstoke Choral Society’s summer concert of Baroque music last Saturday.  Despite earlier rain, the sun shone and members of the audience enjoyed strawberries and cream with a glass of wine in the grounds   before the concert.

The programme comprised music by Vivaldi, Rameau and Handel, which provided a variety of choral and solo works.

The opening movement of Vivaldi’s Beatus Vir proved to be very challenging for the choir but they soon appeared more comfortable with the work and to enjoy its performance.  There was good balance of sound and attention to tone, pitch and dynamics which set the level for the rest of the evening.  Vivaldi’s Gloria was performed with energy and enthusiasm and made a fitting end to the concert.

The soloists, Laurie Ashworth (soprano), Marie Elliot (mezzo) Jeremy Masson (tenor) and Julian Empett (baritone), were all making their debuts for BCS and each performed to a high level.  Laurie’s rendering of Handel’s Silete Venti received rapturous applause, justly deserved.  Jeremy came from the ranks of the choir to give a polished performance in the Beatus Vir and Rameau’s Quam Dilecta, whilst Marie and Julian provided supporting roles of equal quality.

Under the leadership of Helen Cox, and the direction of David Gibson, the orchestra gave sensitive and well balanced backing to the soloists and choir.

The evening closed, in the tradition of the Abbey, with an unapplauded performance of Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring and a final prayer.

Douai Abbey was the perfect setting for this programme and provided acoustics which enhanced the enjoyment of the music.

Marguerite Manasse