Animals – New London Chamber Choir

We were promised ‘A joyously original programme of choral singing’ and it was that, although not particularly joyous. Matthew Hamilton must drill his choir very thoroughly to achieve such imaginative effects. I have never seen so many tuning forks used by a choir during songs, but to what effect? Most of us couldn’t possibly appreciate such precision amongst all those relentless note clusters. Sometimes the results were beautiful, as in Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen’s ‘Comete’ but the rest of that set did not delight. The jolly ending, Meredith Monk’s stomping ‘Panda Chant II’, seemed patronising, more enjoyable to sing that to hear.

All Saints’ Church, 15 May 2015

Rating: