THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS

Read my review of MUN Festival and Chamber Choirs in Tuesday's (Dec 6) Evening Telegram, or  read it here online.............................


                                   THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS

At 3 p.m., Sunday, the sound of Christmas came alive with the Memorial University School of Music Festival and Chamber Choirs, under the direction of Douglas Dunsmore. This is an annual event housed at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church (the Kirk), and one not to be missed. Not only did
 the audience experience beautiful choral singing, but it had the pleasure to interact with the pros in the sing- a -long of some well known Christmas carols.

From the onset, the marriage of acoustics and choir resulted in superior vocal quality, blend, and tone color, as exemplified in the opening " A Virgin Most Pure", arranged by Charles Wood (chamber choir). This choice floated seamlessly through the church, while showcasing a fine blend of varying vocal registers, a treat carried by Dunsmore and the choirs throughout the concert.

Fine continuity and direction followed with the well articulated "A Boy Was Born", Benjamin Britten, special in its’ quiet moments. The congregations’ “Ding Dong Merrily On High” allowed for the entrance of the festival choir, who encased the audience in a U- shape to provide appealing surround sound in the canonic O abre alas, arranged by Oberto Anzai.

“Jubilate Deo“, Giovanni Gabrielli, carol singing by the talented audience of “Hark The Herald Angels Sing“, and “Abendlied” by Joseph Reinberger, led to one of my favourite performances of the concert, “Adoramus Te”, Eric Barnum. In this gorgeous choice, spectacular lingering cadences enriched the choirs’ emotional rendition. This is how music should be performed. After all, what is music without emotion?

Next, up- and -coming guest conductors Alice Hietala and Jennifer Hart showed off their skills, with detailed work and a wide dynamic range evident in Tebye Pogen, Sergei Rachmaninov .

While Sussex Carol, arranged by Sir David Willcocks, (chamber choir) was bright, some forte moments were not always clear. At various points in the concert, more articulate word pronunciation and clearer projection was necessary. Laudate dominum!, Arthur Honegger (festival choir), was an exciting ending, albeit with balance problems.

These minor mentions were negated by the highlights “Deck The Halls in 7/8 “ arranged by James McKelvy, “Firework“, Katy Perry ,arranged by Adam Andrews and Tim Davie, and, “Rejuvenation”, Tobin Stokes.

The arrangement of “Deck the Halls in 7/8” (chamber choir) was an inviting slant on a familiar carol, with light, clear, and lively rhythmic fun.

“Firework” (festival choir) was bright and bursting with rhythm in its’ modern vibe and accompaniment of piano, drums, and electric bass.

“Rejuvenation” lit the church on fire with a bold gospel/pop groove. Did I mention rhythmic? As I look around the conservative audience, I note members moving their heads, hands, and feet uncontrollably to the music in both above mentioned selections. The latter, “Rejuvenation”, was complete with vocal slides, improvised solos, and idiomatic inclusions. I wanted to clap along, when the choir did just that for me. Upon enthusiastic applause, a reprise in true gospel style was offered.

As well as provide a synopsis of concerts in the St John’s area, concert reviews provide a medium to announce the existence of community groups who rehearse long hours to offer entertainment to the public.

MUN Music is home to two wonderful choirs in our area, the MUN Festival Choir, and the MUN Chamber Choir. I highly recommend you attend future concerts by both groups, as today’s concert proved to be an enjoyable Sunday afternoon excursion.

Sally Rowsell is a pianist and teacher in St. John’s